CSIRO facility launches flexible solar technology for broad real-world use
Australia’s CSIRO has inaugurated a new $6.8 million facility in Clayton, Victoria, with the mission to take its flexible, printed solar technology from the laboratory to practical, real-world applications, meeting the growing need for sustainable energy solutions in various industries.
Unlike traditional silicon-based solar panels, CSIRO’s flexible solar cells are printed on ultra-thin plastic films. This innovative approach results in solar cells that are both lightweight and portable, ideal for a range of applications including urban infrastructure, space exploration, defense, mining operations, emergency response, disaster recovery and wearable technology.
Professor Elanor Huntington, Executive Director of Digital, National Facilities and Collections at CSIRO, highlighted the importance of the new Printed Photovoltaic (PV) Facility, describing it as a significant addition to the agency’s infrastructure, designed to foster new industries, with in particular the growing flexible production of solar energy. sector in Australia.
“Through CSIRO’s new Printed PV Facility, industry partners will have access to both the expertise of researchers and specialist equipment to improve and apply flexible solar technology in new ways, wherever there is sunlight,” said Professor Huntington.
“It’s exciting to see that the techniques that have enabled another great CSIRO invention to now be available to industry partners can make a difference in Australia and globally.
“This not only presents incredible opportunities for Australian manufacturers, but also helps address global energy challenges and advance the transition to net zero.”
Dr. Anthony Chesman, leader of CSIRO’s Renewable Energy Systems Group, emphasized that printed flexible solar technology is designed to complement – and not replace – existing rooftop silicon solar panels.
“This printed solar technology opens up entirely new applications for affordable, versatile and sustainable energy generation,” said Dr. Chesman.
The solar cells are manufactured using a specialized material known as perovskite, which is applied to flexible films in long, continuous rolls.
“Our new system is highly automated. The multiple printing and laminating steps are performed in a single continuous operation, significantly reducing production costs and the initial investment required to get started,” said Dr. Chesman.
“Our team has also developed an automated system that can produce as many as 14,000 test solar cells per day to refine their design and performance.
“We are looking for partners who want to join us on the R&D process and ultimately bring this technology to the market.
“Our industry partners will have access to both our cutting-edge equipment and our team of world-class scientists with their deep expertise in solar technology.”
In addition to printed solar, the facility is equipped to expand research into other applications involving printable materials, such as battery and hydrogen technologies, which could unlock even broader potential applications.
Earlier this year, CSIRO set a new efficiency benchmark for its flexible solar cells.
Dr. Chesman encouraged interested organizations to reach out to explore partnership opportunities.
