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They are as thin as paper, come from a conventional printer and cost less than 10 dollars per square meter to produce: a team from the University of Newcastle in Australia has developed a new type of solar cell.
In September they want to use it to power a Tesla on a 15,000-kilometer journey through Australia.
However, the ambitious project aims to do more than just drive without stationary charging stations.
Paul Dastoor, Project Lead Charge Around Australia
“We're going to take a vehicle to the most remote parts of Australia, probably even the most remote parts of the world, and charge it with lightweight technology that can generate electricity from sunlight. I think these are ideal test conditions to gather information on how we can use and power technology in other remote places, for example in space.«
In order to charge the Tesla, 18 solar panels, each 18 meters long, have to be rolled out.
While the panels can produce more electricity at lower luminosity than traditional solar panels, they are less efficient and last only two years, compared to 20 years.
Instead of charging electric cars, the new technology is intended to ensure that everyone has access to affordable energy.
Paul Dastoor, Project Lead Charge Around Australia
»These printed solar cells are ultra-flexible, ultra-thin and ultra-light. This means we can cover large areas with them and, because they come out of the printer, at a very low price. So imagine a world where every building, every structure is coated with a coating that generates energy. That is the potential of this technology.«
How practicable an 84-day trip through Australia with the solar panels is will be seen in September.
Above all, however, the test should stimulate thought and initiate discussions on how climate change can be stopped.
School visits and lectures are therefore also part of the project.
In addition, the scientists carry out experiments and collect data in order to further develop their technology.