Mitsubishi to start selling solar PV wall material in 2013

[kristopher]

Solar power from external walls / New material allows for more efficient energy production
The Yomiuri Shimbun


...The new material will likely boost the spread of renewable energy. If the material is used for skyscraper walls, just one or two buildings could produce electricity equal to that generated at a large-scale solar power plant, according to experts.

The new material has been developed thanks to the company's creation of solar cells that use organic semiconductors made from petroleum and other materials instead of the silicon semiconductors currently in use. The new cell is thinner and lighter than current panel-type cells.

The cells' power generation capability is about 80 watts per square meter, and their efficiency in converting solar energy to electricity is about 11 percent, a level sufficient for practical use. For comparison, conventional solar panels have an efficiency of 14 percent to 15 percent.

Organic solar cells are easier to manufacture than current solar panels that use heavy base materials such as glass. Experts said the production cost of the new cells could be as low as one-tenth of the panels....

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T120103002965.htm

[Nihil]

1. That could be an interesting development ...

80W/m2 is about half of a typical panel (150W/m2) but at "as low as one-tenth"
the cost of such a panel means that it's a major step forwards.

It's also lighter. Wonder what sort of mounting is required (and if there is any
problem with heating)?