Named after the temple to the sun god, Konarka Technologies in Massachusetts is releasing a new kind of solar power into the world. They are nano-sized plastic pellets that can be produced for much cheaper than other materials that capture the sun's plentiful energy.

Dr. Sukant Tripathy is responsible for both the science and the mission behind this technology. He wanted to create a solar power source that could provide low-cost, environmentally-friendly electricity to India and the third world. After his death in December of 2000, his colleagues Jayant Kumar, Kethinni Chittibabu and Srinivasan Balasubramanian carried on his work.

Whereas solar panels were typically made out of rigid glass and silicone, these panels are flexible. They look like photographic film – about 10 centimeters long and five centimeters wide. Just a couple of these strips can run the motor of a small fan. They can work indoors or outdoors and can be integrated into pre-existing power systems.

Konarka's semiconducting particles are made from titanium dioxide and brushed with dyes that absorb light in a process called "cold sintering", which takes place at 150 degrees Celsius. These are forged with plastic material and a solar panel is born.

These photovoltaic cells, or PVCs, use a radically different manufacturing method from the traditional one. Normally, titanium crystals are "sintered," or heated to 450 degrees Celsius and coated with dye that is sensitive to light. This process was too expensive for mass production.

Research on these new solar panels has not proven them to be more efficient or create more power than their glass counterparts. However, large quantities can be manufactured simultaneously with cold sintering, and for a much smaller price. Their versatility and flexibility allow them to be used in a variety of products. Konarka has made solar power what is has not been: affordable and accessible.

It has even caught the attention of the U.S. Army. Batteries that power a soldier's every need, from communication devices to night-vision goggles, can add unnecessary weight to soldiers on the move –as much as 70 pounds. To solve this dilemma, Konarka is looking into ways to incorporate their solar power technology into textiles. The fabric of the soldiers' uniforms would contain the nanomaterial that could charge equipment and store power for later use.

For now, Konarka is working to upgrade the solar technology already used in weather observation posts, chemical sensors, and emergency lighting systems. Their next branch of products will include cell phones, portable music players, and hand-held electronic equipment.

This marks another great milestone in the conversion of fossil fuels to alternate sources of power. Whole new industry clusters are forming around bringing new ideas into biotech, medical technology, and high tech which do not merely build upon existing technology at a snail's pace, but take big leaps – and risks.

Source:

Konarka: Giant Leap with Nano-based Solar Power
Francis C. Assisi
IndoLink, July 11, 2004
http://www.indolink.com/SciTech/fr071104-101529.php