Solar PV film roll. Revolutionary new production technology.

[@maartenvaneerden6602]

I work in PV and I must say the lateral junction instead of a vertical one is indeed very innovative and clever, especially in the way implented here, and does away with some typical PV losses such as light absorption by the TCO. It does however seem like a very intricate process which will come with difficulties of its, and imho mass production in less than two years sounds ambitious. High throughput roll2roll processing is notoriously difficult and many have failed already, using various technologies such as organics and amorphous Si, and in this case the absorber material used is perovskite, which has extra difficulties such as long term stability. However, it does seem there is really a lot of expertise from the industry involved here which I think is imperative for success. I very much hope this will be a success, it sure has a lot of potential!

[@janami-dharmam]

This perovskite is problematic; it is not a metallic nor a plastic. Very brittle and prone to cracks. In series connection, if one cell develops a fault, the whole stuff must be junked.

[@incognitotorpedo42]

Perovskite? I thought it was P and N-doped silicon...

[@maartenvaneerden6602]

@@incognitotorpedo42 No, that's the standard rooftop product. This concept uses a perovskite absorber sandwiched 'laterally' between different p- and n-type materials. At least that's what I make up from their website.

[@Noisy_Cricket]

@@janami-dharmam doesn't seem to be an issue in their durability testing.

[@DanA-nl5uo]

@D R why would a 15 year lifespan be an issue many electric devices we buy today have shorter lifespans. If this can be printed on the back of your cellphone to generate some of the power for the phone for example it would far out last the cell phone. There are definitely markets for something which generates power for a decade. Not to mention anything that is remotely close to cost effective and helps us get off ff faster even if it is replaced in a decade isn't a bad thing. If we can make these cells as fast as we make candy wrappers they would push alot of ff powered generation out of business faster allowing more time to build out wind turbines and other longer term infrastructure.

[@mikewurlitzer5217]

After 26 + years in the commercial printing industry, watching it die a slow and painful death, how great to see similar technology which SEEMS to offer a great additional source of energy at minimal cost both in dollars and to the environment. Would love to be part of this.

[@bertkelly7650]

35 years for me. 11 years removed. (retired).

[@charliez7130]

Hi Mike, if this proves to be commercially viable, the printing industry will see a new 'sun-powered' golden age! Do you think the existing 'big boys' in the printing industry will be investing in this process/technology?

[@MsNickie1001]

Mike, I hope you are part of it! Go for it.

[@OGUNite]

Could this be used as a general use fabric!

[@j12997967]

By any chance, have you read the late Donald Westlake's novel, "The Axe"? (Not to give anyone any ideas or anything.)

[@peteberrie]

I'm really impressed with your ability to highlight surprising new and practical ideas. I live in the UK region where this one is based but hadn't come across it. I'm itching to get a roll and stick it to a wall on my house! Thanks for your work on this - much appreciated.

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Yes, not heard of this Company but live very near it. The possibilities are seemingly endless. Let's hope it helps the situation.

[@webbo4682]

It's just behind Dalton Park.

[@user-cc8kb]

Me too. I want it :D

[@lordshitpost31]

Let us know if you can give it a try

[@michaelchildish]

Potential uses seen from this thread or I've thought of : Cover entire brickwork on houses with it with standard style PV / tiles, on roof as you suggest? Agrivoltaics polytunnels is a great idea I saw, sails on boats is an interesting idea but not sure about durability. How about if waterproofing is possible, on structures on ships? Or my ideas - mounted on motorway crash barriers on both sides and the top to power the lighting. Thousands of miles of motorways in the developed world! Mounted ON wind turbine supports? Fences everywhere. Affixed to lampposts mainly powered by small vertical axis wind turbines, the crash barrier rolls, and the baseload / batteries to recoup some light energy even at NIGHT. Pretty much ANYTHING! If anyone nicks my ideas and takes them forward, please give me a small % of profits! I am unlikely to rejoin the workforce anytime soon but am a creative thinker bucking for a place to be useful!

[@shaney8275]

Mr. Borlace - thank you for your many presentations and the ongoing dialogue. Your videos are informative, easy to listen to, and are performing a genuine service. Keep up the good work.

[@itsfonk]

Interesting! Even with comparatively lower efficiency, the potential lower end-costs through vastly more accessible production, and installation versatility, seems a trade more than fair. Additionally, the differences in required materials used and energy required for scalable manufacturing might tip the scales even more. Very exciting!

[@paulslevinsky580]

Efficiency in relation to size is for the most part irrelevant. It's return on investment (power generated versus life-cycle cost) that is the critical factor.

[@jimjohnson3410]

@@paulslevinsky580 It really matters the application. For generic power generation yes. Mobile applications are often size constrained though.

[@rkan2]

11% effiency for seemingly simple (non semiconductor?!??) production method sounds like too good lol

[@sechran]

Wattage vs. size is nice and all, but wattage vs. cost can sink or launch any energy based product. If you need twice the area, but less than half the cost, well... money very often wins.

[@paulslevinsky580]

@HoboGardenerBen I just bought 1000 watts of shingled type panels (and a regulator/charger/3kW pure sinewave inverter). They claim to pack 30% more active surface in the given space, along with 22% efficiency. That's nice and all, but the cost sold me. You might want to check them out.

[@manjunathvishnumoorthy7479]

This will be immensely useful for communities affected by natural disasters of some sort like earthquakes etc. Imagine being able to carry around panels worth kWs of generation capacity as a roll and deploying them in such an area.

[@pauleohl]

What will you do with a varying DC voltage? You need more than these films to have useful power.

[@shawnr771]

@@pauleohl The panels need to have voltage regulators. Put it in line with the connection wire.

[@sanjaymatsuda4504]

I don't understand why getting them in a "roll" makes these panels any more convenient for disaster relief. We already have this technology called "box" that allows you to pack many traditional rigid PV panels in a small space for convenient shipping and handling.

[@shawnr771]

@@sanjaymatsuda4504 Rigid panels require mounting brackets etc. These can rolled out and glued on different surfaces. Texas does a number on outdoor products. I want to see how the glue holds up.

[@docostler]

@@sanjaymatsuda4504 And what is the total surface area of the panels in your "box"? Compared to the surface area of a roll of thin film the size of the box?

[@chriskiwi9833]

What’s not to love about this tech? I have had some exposure to rigid photovoltaic production systems which rely on precision grinding and incredibly fine wire saws. They are also wasteful, most of the silicon is cut or ground away. This solution is really something. It is inspiring to see several ideas from advanced printing combined so cleverly. The best engineering is done by people that understand their discipline from first principles and are mentally flexible enough to imagine new applications. The more we spend on education the more that we will see the world moved by well motivated intellect and reasoned analysis. I am sure that this is what we are seeing here and I applaud it.

[@larryedwards8723]

Money spent on education and research always brings rewards.

[@julianpoh]

I’m imagining this amazing film on retractable awnings and brise soleil, simultaneously shading and powering interiors. Thanks for the amazingly succinct presentation! Super clear!

[@mikedavison3400]

Yeah it’s great how many of us here are clueing in to the win-win of reducing solar gain and producing power at the same time. A woman named Pippi Peterson had, and probably still has, a website devoted to RV living and she made shade sails for her RV and just the reduction in solar gain was huge for her.

[@davids94705]

Great product and video. For most homeowners that can afford solar in the USA, most of the cost of the system is labor rather than hardware. Professional installation and permits and inspection make up most of the cost. This product sounds like it is well on the way to what I would like to see: a Mylar like solar sheet that one could strap down on their roof or even lawn that almost anyone with a ladder and a little help could install themselves. In most or much of the USA, non-permanent structures don't require permitting so this would help getting around a big cost/hassle. Even if the system is not as efficient or long lasting, if the cost is reasonable and one only has to pay for the hardware, it is likely to be very attractive to many home/land owners. Also, while 10 years isn't as good as 25 years, in 10 years the technology may have so improved that one would want to replace the system anyway.

[@incognitotorpedo42]

I don't think you want a flexible sheet flapping in the breeze. The electrical connections appear to be a weak link. Also, there's more to solar than the panels. You need inverters and various sophisticated devices to connect to your panel without electrocuting a lineman some time down the road. That stuff is expensive.

[@davids94705]

@@incognitotorpedo42 May require more than a few bungee cords but less than a tearing out part of your roof's tiles and lots of drilling. I consider the inverters/optimizers as part of the hardware and still the labor cost and permit hassle and delays as a big problem where I live.

[@xeridea]

The permitting is because they are hooked into the power grid, and need to follow electrical code to maintain grid integrity, and user safety. You can install your own system if you want. As long as it is up to code, and done properly, permits aren't an issue, and not expensive. Labor however, remains a big part of home solar installations. You can also install panels yourself, and hire a contractor to ensure the connections to grid are done properly.

[@DocJaeBass]

Your point on the costs is spot on. My off grid system that I built myself, without permits (because it is in a very remote area where permits are not required or even available) is capable of running a modest two bedroom home. It cost about $5,000 a few years ago. Today it would be about $4,500 with slightly better batteries. In the USA city or suburbs it would cost four to five times that much. Put this technology in developing countries like Vietnam or Laos, the country side of Africa, or the poorer nations of East Europe and it could be a game changer simply due to being economically available and doable by the regular non-technical home owner / renter.

[@macmcleod1188]

@@DocJaeBass the thing I don't understand is why people don't just build a parallel system and not tie into the grid. It could drive lights and maybe one 5000 BTU air conditioner. And that would pull down your electrical cost for the Grid. In a pinch you could run a deep freezer or refrigerator and certainly a laptop off of it.

[@jezlawrence720]

Shop awnings. Provide shade and generate power for a shop battery with it!

[@mickeyfilmer5551]

This sounds like it could be a gamechanger, which is good news for the planet.

[@Jakob_DK]

It does. It also sounds too good to be true in many ways. Only half of half of the specifications would make a huge impact.

[@Brattoes]

It really does sound like it. If someone can carry singlehandedly a roll enough for what, 5 houses? That's just crazy. Just dump it somewhere and roll it up when finished. Ha, that would be crazy.

[@lillyanneserrelio2187]

First one to market a practical solar capture film that can replace the generic window tints commonly put on entire facades of the modern day all glass skyscraper is going to be the next billionaire. The amount of potential windows that can benefit from this is sky high

[@Shadowmaster625]

there's a gamechanger every other week and yet the game always seems to stay the same, costs have been dropping by around 5%-10% per year but no major breakthroughs

[@jerryerwin2537]

Oh please...

[@mattack12]

I have seen probably half a dozen announcements about printed, cheap, flexible, revolutionary solar cells in the past ten years. None of them made it to market. I remain highly skeptical. Would love to see a video about all these past up and coming companies and where they are now.

[@stianberg5645]

Holy crap the possibilities in this invention! I'm stoked! I just hope it becomes so affordable I can buy more rolls than I know what to do with

[@jimhood1202]

Great news. Thanks for singing the praises of the Power Roll folks. Good luck in Glasgow I think there will be many movers and shakers there that could benefit from your knowlege and positive attitude.

[@ultraslo]

As always your fascinating enlightening and insightful. Thank you for all of your posts and the hard work in to make us all a little bit

[@anders21karlsson]

Incredible channel, the best on KZbin! As always, great video as always. I really hope the solar company PR succeed.

[@Rojoke]

Sails on sail boats perhaps? There is limited space for panels, but a massive sail area.

[@Globovoyeur]

Sails take a lot of beating. I'd expect the electrical connections to break fairly quickly.

[@cyngaethlestan8859]

@@Globovoyeur I vaguely remember a company trying 'sails' that are more like a glider's wing attached to the deck. They were solid but rotated to the correct direction. They hoped to greatly decrease, but not replace the fuel oil use - put this sort of PV onto the sail & you could incorporate them into a rather efficient power train [wind+ PV to electric motor with modest battery and fuel oil to electric motor backup. ]

[@zopEnglandzip]

@@cyngaethlestan8859 that's right, it's been experimented with for a while, we could see a 3 way hybrid, diesel, solar, sail.

[@jonjudge41]

@@cyngaethlestan8859 The term you're looking for is a wing sail, they're rigid sails which would be perfect for coating with solar film like this. It's something I've been thinking about for years now and would love to see in production.

[@robm.4512]

Wing sails have been used in various guises for some decades, most obvious and recently on the latest couple of generations of Americas Cup flying machines. Unfortunately, they have some key disadvantages when compared with conventional single skin sails. 1, ‘Semi Soft’ wing sails, where the foil shape is essentially formed by two skins of a lightweight flexible material that is stretched over a lightweight framework, rather akin to a fabric covered aircraft wing, are delicate, extremely complex in structure and thereby very expensive to produce and prone to damage. They also require equally complex internal shape control systems to optimise their form for any given wind angle and velocity. 2, It is not really possible to rapidly reduce sail area, referred to as ‘reefing’ a sail. This is necessary for a vessel’s safety as wind speeds increase, to ensure that lateral forces do not exceed the vessel’s righting abilities. 3, Even when the ‘skins’ are removed entirely, the remaining internal structure still presents significant windage area, so still presents a danger to the vessel at higher wind velocities. Hard wing sails, again like an aircraft wing but more akin to a monocoque structure where the skins are a lightweight hard material such as glass/carbon fibre, bonded to hard formers to achieve the shape. These are even more difficult to handle in increasing wind speeds as they cannot be reefed. They also lack the ability to vary their shape by much more than a minimal amount for optimisation in operation. They also tend to be heavier which detracts from the righting moment of the vessel considerably. Basically, the ‘wing sail’ type is limited to extremely high performance, high speed, single purpose racing and speed record machines where the speeds achieved through ‘foiling’ designs (where the hull is entirely lifted up out of the water and supported on hydrodynamic foils). An F1 car has four wheels and is operated on tarmac. That does not mean that many of the systems are even remotely applicable to passenger cars or heavy goods vehicles. That is about the level of comparative usability of wing sails when compared with conventional single skin soft sails for most non-extreme speed applications. Most vessels, though, have considerable above waterline surface area where a soft film, such as described in the video, could be usefully applied, particularly if a surface coating could be post-applied to fair and seal the edges and to add extra protection from physical damage through abrasion. On thinking about the possibility of using the film on conventional sails, many modern sails are barely subject to stretch or linear deformation during their lifespan thanks to the integration of carbon and prestretched aramid fibres in their construction. It is also now quite commonplace to use these materials as a flexible structural matrix in conjunction with mylar film, as a fully moulded unit. These sails are flexible but essentially do not stretch at all and could be very suitable. They’re normally the preserve of reasonably serious racers thanks to the cost when compared to conventional woven fabrics, but over the last few years that has become slightly less true. If anyone’s interested, search for ‘3DL sails’, or better, ‘3DL sail production method’….. I promise it’ll surprise you! Sorry about the lengthy post, I’m an ex-superyacht Engineer ( now retired) and still a techy yachtie for fun. I’ve played with a fair amount of experimental kit over the years. I do hope that this thin film panel material does become available down the track, it’s got potential…..Pardon the pun, really. Cheers all, R. 😎👍🍻

[@densalbeach1]

The potential of this product is imense. If it could be made fully transparent it could be applied as a film on glass making all windows in a house into efficient PV panels. Very interesting and well presented subject.

[@samfreed5193]

In very sunny areas (I'm in Israel) - a semi-transparent sheet generating electricity can be used to shelter playgrounds etc from the scorching sun, while generating electricity. It would be popular for the shade. The requirement would be to let *some* light through, and to drain reasonably well considering we do have rain in the winter. Cleaning may also be an issue.

[@mikedavison3400]

@ Sam I mentioned in a reply to an earlier comment that awnings that are retractable would be ideal to protect from heavy winds, rain, or snow.

[@echomande4395]

I'm wondering how awnings, opaque or semi-transparent, could be used as sunshades for parking lots. In places that have become car-dependent (think north america) these often seem big enough to be useful (hectare or bigger). The big issue I see with this would be the need to buffer the produced electricity to avoid overstressing the power grid. Buffering would also help in the various refugee/developing world situations by making power and lighting available after sunset, lengthening the functional day with time for reading, school study, socializing etc.

[@VideoEngineering]

We will have to see how they handle the flex in a long run. They suggest to stick it on the rigid substrate?

[@Namari12]

I lost track of how many times I said "wow" outloud while watching this video. If this really lives up to its potential and the company's claims are accurate, this really could be a game changer. Wow.

[@williamholmes7529]

Glad to see the fruition of years of study into thin film polymers being used for the manufacture of solar PV. First took part in a brain storming session on such tech in 1990, sadly I was not the smartest person in the room, but could see the potential applications even then. Proud it is a UK company that is lighting the way 👏👏👏

[@bryandavies6074]

A great potential product for narrow boats, van roofs, and a whole host of buildings that can only support a low roof load.

[@matthewdunstone4431]

Amazing lateral thinking. My only concern is the short lifespan of the film. All plastics seem to deteriorate in the sun, and of course this product’s exposure will be intentionally maximised. I foresee a gluey mess to clean up in 10-15 years.

[@DanA-nl5uo]

The 10 to 15 year lifespan will leave a market for traditional solar panels which are rated 80% output at 25 years. But there are places where 10 to 15 years is the product lifespan like transportation that they could be a good fit. I have always said the future of energy isn't a one solution fits all world. It is nice to see someone has a thin film solar solution that is cost effective. It has been talked about and tried for decades now. I remember talking to people in the semiconductor industry back in the middle 90s about coating processes with this application in mind.

[@tiddybearkush]

Real live is not 80% after 25 years. More like 5-10 years.

[@DanA-nl5uo]

@@tiddybearkush I have setup panels that where from the early 80s the old round cells in brown panels close to 40 years old and they still had the orginal capacity when tested. I don't know what panels you have seen fail so fast but it definitely hasn't been my experience or the manufacturers testing and warranty

[@byrnemeister2008]

It all depends on price for the overall systems solution.

[@DanA-nl5uo]

@@byrnemeister2008 kind of. I don't want to increase my home mantaince so If the cost is close not paying a contractor to replace it in a decade is worth something too. Like I said there will be more than one solution to our energy needs in the future

[@barryhamm3414]

@@tiddybearkush Many manufacturers of traditional solar panels give a guarantee of 80% of original output after 25 years. My own panels are now 5 years old and there is no noticeable output drop. So your claim of only 5 to 10 years looks rather doubtful.

[@AndyFletcherX31]

I was surprised at the 11% conversion efficiency. This makes it very useful. Unfortunately the website doesn't have a product specification showing NOCT and standard performance characteristics or how you connect to it. It will probably work best with an array of small MPPT converters onto a bus - a little like DC optimisers on current panels. I'd love to get my hands on some to start designing suitable controllers ready for rollout.

[@janami-dharmam]

I recently bought a mono-crystalline PERC solar panel and the test report said that the highest conversion efficiency is about 16%.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Andy, would that be bc as stated they're working towards a higher efficiency which would hopefully be achieved by the 2023 mass production date?

[@rkan2]

11% sounds way too good for non-semiconductor pv solution lol

[@AndyFletcherX31]

@@rkan2 It is certainly on the high side but if they can do it than I'd be happy to use them :)

[@0LoneTech]

My samples came from Danish infinityPV.

[@patrickdempsey4034]

Always look forward to your presentations

[@EngineerLewis]

This is what I have been waiting for in PV panels - it seems very cost effective and even with 10% efficiency and 15 year lifetime, I would invest in this for my home immediately.

[@Steellmor]

Even if it will have 3-4 years of actual lifetime,if it will cost 1/3-1/4 of regular PV - would buy and place it everywhere where it possible.

[@superfluityme]

This will revolutionise farming. With the ability to produce electricity as a poly tunnel covering keeping plants warm in cold climates or seasons and where it is hot and dry it contains evaporating water and produces the electricity to keep the poly tunnel cool.

[@Foster216]

Having been "off grid" and solar powered for the last 40 years, this is a game changer. Just read an article about a similar printable PV technology, out of Australia. I'm guessing that soon the world will have an economical alternative to fossil fuel generated electricity.

[@markac8]

This idea has been around some years. Amazing it is now looking viable. Very exciting as this can go on so many surfaces

[@10esseeTony]

Fingers crossed this scales well, and soon. Looks like a game-changer! Thanks!

[@chow-chihuang4903]

The lightness and flexibility would reduce the burden on roofs and enable use in additional circumstances like awnings or other cover over porches, decks, sheds, curtains, foldable sunshades for cars to maintain battery charge or to cool the interior, etc. It would also simplify maintenance, for instance, if you needed to patch your roof, just detach and roll up that section for the duration of repair, then reattach it afterwards. My main concerns are robustness against the elements, and end-of-life recovery. I don’t see the materials having much value to motivate anyone bothering to try. It may require a deposit scheme to support its recovery.

[@incognitotorpedo42]

Burying the thin film material in a landfill is a form of carbon sequestration and poses no significant environmental downsides. Because it's so thin, the volume of material is small.

[@Dave5843-d9m]

Wind flapping might be an issue for awnings. But they could be made to furl and unfurl with the sun or if it gets too windy.

[@Tom-ku8bu]

Yeah already see me fixing the end on the top of the roof and roll it down and fix it with glue. Would just replace the tiles. Much faster roofing. But would probably need to be a little thicker more robust foil.

[@bknesheim]

Flimsy thing on the roof is never a smart solution, an there space is at a premium so better tech is a lot smarter. Get twice the power using standard panels will just about always be better, but end of life do seams to be easy. Just burn it.

[@barbaralemons4741]

@@Dave5843-d9m cafe style round outdoor tables with the huge umbrellas, could use this film to cover them, and have free device charging at the table. Also the roofs of bus station stops, free charging. Park picnic gazebo roofs. Figure out a clearcoat and you could do car wraps like advertisers do when they donate a car to a raffle...

[@craigthebrute2848]

The one criticism I would make of your channel is that you rarely address the pitfalls & issues with commercialization or mass production of these new technologies.

[@Firebuck]

@David Lockett PET plastic is typically made from a high percentage of post-consumer plastic waste. If that's the case here I see it as an alternative destination for a drinks bottle otherwise headed for the ocean. But I agree, it would be nice to know where the plastic feedstocks come from.

[@incognitotorpedo42]

@@Firebuck Bottles heading to the ocean have not been picked up by trucks. They have been discarded in or near rivers to be washed out to sea. This is mostly happening in the Philippines.

[@Kiev-in-3-days]

@David Lockett Sure but if this last 10++ years it seems to be a legit use of plastic. 10 years vs 15 minutes for a bottle of coke or a straw....

[@Kiev-in-3-days]

@@incognitotorpedo42 I bet Indonesia easily beats the Philippines on that topic.

[@mikemotorbike4283]

@@incognitotorpedo42 I suspect companies buying the plastic are dumping it in the ocean instead of recycling it as they promised. This isn't some kids playground juice bottle floating out to sea with a note in it for arrrrgghh pirates to read matey, this is a little bigger. Boats can dump their trash legally.

[@HansLemurson]

It's very clever how they were able to utilize the embossed microstructure to control the application of the different PV materials to make viable cells.

[@michaelstreeter3125]

"you could literally nail one of these things to a wooden post and it'd keep working, although that's obviously not going to be the recommended installation procedure" 😂

[@electrified3407]

😁

[@antonhuman8446]

Mind boggling technology! Very good. Thank you. In turn have I got the technology to keep this company, and or other carbon neutral. Most cost-effectively. Regards from South Africa.

[@markthomasson5077]

Amazing technology, if they can really produce that on a large scale, it should have a huge number of applications. So comforting to hear good news stories

[@jameswolfe7413]

Future updates on this technology would be greatly appreciated! Thanks as always!

[@mojoneko8303]

This would be huge for cruising sailors if it could be made durable enough to incorporate into the sails. A photo voltaic sail would give you a very large amount of surface area to produce electricity even if the film is less efficient . A roller furling system would be the best way to go to prevent damage to the sail. Thanks for the video! : )

[@erfquake1]

I was also thinking airships, considering their light weight.

[@davidpowell3396]

Canal boats use solar usually on the roof but perhaps could be coats over entire roof and sides of the upper section ?

[@diceman199]

@@davidpowell3396 I’m looking at buying a canal boat at the moment. Given a widebeam has maybe a 14m by 3m roof just on the cabin this might be an ideal application

[@MsNickie1001]

@@erfquake1 like a dirigible?

[@updem]

Talk about a solar sail...

[@davidallyn1818]

omg this is revolutionary!! A giant leap in solar energy!

[@Kags]

I like the idea of a tent that can provide electricity. That could be used for water purification, maybe a little heating element, a couple led lights. Things that could make a major difference in disaster relief or refugee camps, or even just while out camping

[@mikemotorbike4283]

they never said it could be repeatedly flexed.

[@burtonschrader2]

Always good news! Thank you for the uplift, badly needed these days.

[@davidwilkie9551]

This idea has been around for a while, now a more effective method of design, and what every Camper + EV Owner is expecting to use one day. Camp by day rolled out, travel by night swapping Driving shifts, and see the country. Great Device, and Report thank you.

[@incognitotorpedo42]

I don't think repeated flexing will work for these.

[@whatelseison8970]

@@incognitotorpedo42 It looks like that depends on the axis. It comes off a roll so obviously that one axis is fine. No doubt you'd want to avoid creasing or twisting it. Backing with a stiffer material, perhaps with hinges would probably solve that.

[@brucebender5917]

A 20kw roll of this material could be carried by one person? Amazing.

[@janami-dharmam]

Do not forget that they are naked semiconductor devices on a large scale; a simple crack will render the whole roll a piece of junk- unless you can identify the fault and repair it manually (unless they are bypassed with diodes like regular solar panels)

[@iantyrer1155]

I can imagine sun canopies on the the side of houses being rolled out on fine sunny days, much cheaper than having solar panels fitted on the roof or even in addition to them. Of course charging the house battery setup! Bad weather approaching just roll it back in!!

[@patrickdegenaar9495]

Seems like a very simple technology that gets round the previous problems of roll to roll printing. Good luck to them and hopefully this scales.

[@fdk7014]

Sounds like it has great potential! Efficiency is not that important, what's needed is a low cost per watt and they seem to have that covered.

[@mikemotorbike4283]

half the cost, half the efficiency, and unknown longevity ie repeated bending stress, as well as impact resistance, etc. The flexible panels now on sale offer two years lifespan, Cross our fingers these will be improved

[@napalmholocaust9093]

Driving cost down reduces theft. So good.

[@jambay4785]

Endurance for use will definitely be the determining factor. Weather in any given location will no doubt affect the performance. At minimum would be nice as a film that can be applied for fixed locations.

[@toucan221]

Excellent, I have always thought we need to be able attach solar panels to other surfaces with having to keep putting it all on a rigid surface, so well Done to Power Roll, I believe it has come just at the right time as people are already crying out for better forms Solar violtics etc, thanks for showing this, cant wait to try it out.

[@jamiearnott9669]

Well this sounds promising. I hope it's successful. IN the 20KW range you could power your home and do away with the grid entirely.

[@wenkeadam362]

Thanks for sharing! I love receiving my weekly dose of good news from you!

[@johnslaughter5475]

I saw something like this several years ago on The Discovery Channel when it was still quality programming. The entire show was about new methods being developed for generating electricity from the sun. The last one was a thin sheet that was printed on just like an ink jet printer. The fantastic thing was that the cost per kW was very low.

[@Marcelcas]

Do you remember the name of the program?

[@johnslaughter5475]

@@Marcelcas I'm sorry, but no. With all that is on YT now, you might be able to find it. It was a group of programs on just how bad the infrastructure of the U.S. really is. According to those shows, which were years ago, not even Biden's trillion+ infrastructure plan will be enough.

[@reidcushman3562]

I always learn something from watching videos on this channel. But even more I get some cause for optimism from time to time, particularly from ones like this.

[@theresabronkhorst6555]

My sincere respect to the inventor/developers however can you imagine the impact this technology could have if it was made open source

[@Kiev-in-3-days]

Yes it's a shame it is proprietary. That's how billionaires should use their money. By byuing those tech and open source them to governments and businesses.

[@Swanny1888]

Brilliant can't wait to cover the top of my. Campervan with it

[@jeandreterblanche418]

One of the benefits is the absence of wires on the face of the panel. In normal panels the "busbars" or so called wired take up approx 10% of the surface area. Another advantage is the zig-zag profile. This acts as an anti reflecting surface. Surprisingly high efficiency, but would only become mainstream if this panel could reach a cost of below $2/watt

[@Wol747]

Brilliant development, thank you for bringing it to our attention.

[@johnward8063]

Fabulous subjects, keep up the good work, looking forward to seeing the technology out here in Cyprus.

[@iakona23]

Cyprus really needs EVs, solar and storage batteries to eliminate their reliance on imported oil. Lots of warm and sunny days in Cyprus with powerful solar energy coming down.

[@gerrydepp8164]

This is what I've dreamed of for Solar powered Airships; covered with this and the new super efficient electric motors & fans they will kill heavier than air travel at last; no need to refuel(HEAPS of power) - stays up by itself - no need to go 10 km up into the radiation...

[@trendane]

It would be interesting to see something like this on a sailboat.

[@sv.scintilla]

Real Estate is the problem on a sailboat. My panels are high efficiency with a 28% conversation rate and are mounted over the Bimini. 11% is too low.. of course if they could double as sails ;-)

[@derekd1510]

​@@sv.scintilla Gaa! You stole my idea..

[@terrytytula]

An absolutely fascinating video. One of the things I've been reading about lately is electric tractor trailers. Imagine if you could cover the trailer with this film, on a sunny day it could give you most of the energy needed for propulsion. Or if parked, it could charge the trucks batteries.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Bearing in mind the power needed to shift 40 tons I think that you are being somewatt over optimist. However a 40 foot trailer with solar sides and roof at low cost would be a no brainer. I'm just building an expedition truck and already have 1900w but this would make the awning earn it's keep!

[@Maelthras]

I anticipate within 5 years the efficiency will reach 25% or higher. On such a small and well controlled process that doesn't involve volatile heat, I think their process will improve and change the world. In fact, if they layer their dyes on the electrodes they can absorb different spectrum and increase efficiency.

[@Withnail1969]

No chance. I'd be amazed if they can get to 20%.

[@MichaelRada-INDUSTRY50]

Thank you for the next interesting video I hope I would be able to speak to the producer, having already multiple application possibilities in mind for more than a decade, when the first flexible solar film products show up. One of the undiscovered possibilities would be to combine packaging and solar film to turn empty packaging into the solar generator, which I am sure will land no more on the landfill.

[@ChadKovac]

I can't wait to buy a roll for my homesteading project!

[@Charlie-Oooooo]

Total game changer, even at current 11% efficiency.👍 If the price is kept low enough, it could become ubiquitous very quickly.

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

This sounds so promising and variable uses re situations spring to mind! 🤞🏼. Thanks🌞🌞🌞

[@livingourdestiny9075]

It's these advancements in technology that give me hope for the future....I think we could all us a little hope these days. Thank you for making your video's.

[@daverei1211]

I recall about 20 years ago from a TV show from the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) science show Quantum that the Australian CSIRO (who invented polymer bank notes) were experimenting with the polymer printing technology to print high volume low cost solar panel sheets, where you’d just wall paper the roof of any structure. I think they were at about 10% efficiency, we’re working to improve that and the UV stability. I don’t know what happened to that research.

[@Steellmor]

20 years happened, compare to where were traditional PV 20 years ago and now.I heard at least 3-4 stories per year about someone inventing "NEW CHEAP REVOLUTIONARY solar film" but every time it was pretty much same thing existed for decades.But this now seems much more substantial,with actual company,new technologies,and 1-2 years before deployment,not some "in the future".

[@dmaze8457]

Another slice of my time we’ll spent. This technology looks like a real game changer .

[@jantschierschky3461]

Well if you consider the surface area of a roof, that you can cover with panels verses film. Especially metal industrial roofs.

[@andrewradford3953]

An inventor in Australia is printing 20m solar rolls using wine label printers. He is using several to power his Tesla across the country through some very remote places where even the nearest fuel can be ~500km away.

[@moritz8900]

Want to cover my house with this immediately!

[@ethanames6563]

Thank you for your linear and concise presentation. Beautiful and functional integration of solar is the way forward.

[@SpykerSpeed]

This is very promising. I wonder what the cost and difficulty of recycling these will be. Especially compared to existing solar panel technology.

[@fuccasound3897]

Guess it's mostly the PET substrate, which is similar to the film on your microwave meal, it generally is not recyclable but i'm sure a google search would give you more info. i would imagine the rigid PV is harder (or has a greater cost) to recycle because it has more 'stuff' in it, you know, the frame, the glass the cells themselves, the interconnects etc...?

[@GreenJimll]

@@fuccasound3897 Well based on the panel expected lifespan and the mass production dates, we've got 10-15 years to work out how to recycle them. Considering the tiny amounts of doping material and inks compared the PET substrate, I would suspect that existing experiments and ideas for PET recycling would work for these too.

[@JohnnyWednesday]

Given that this film - when no longer able to produce power - is still a thin film? it might be repurposed - IE you could shred it, add it to concrete etc (especially when this stuff is no use? you'll have lots and lots of it without much contamination - all ready to go - rather than regular PET applications where you'd have to fish it out of rubbish)

[@mikewurlitzer5217]

Good point. Should this technology take off, I'm sure resources will be made available to study and create ways to recycle the materials. A great secondary marked/industry will be created.

[@fuccasound3897]

Thanks for your thoughts, i agree with you.

[@Tonywozere99]

Company in US called PowerFilm Solar, bendy PV iot energy harvesting with a supercap.

[@cobeer1768]

The lower efficiency is fine with me because of the cost and flexibility of the tech. Profit by volume. My first thoughts went to spacecraft and satellites. The weight savings and ease of storage and deployment would be awesome

[@florinadrian5174]

Many of the spacecraft powered by solar "panels" already use a type of roll although very likely not this one. Typically it's shipped to the orbit folded in a small package and then it extends like an umbrella (or origami) into a flat shape ready to harness the sunlight.

[@TheFutureIsEloi]

Game changer - opens up all sorts of applications, and if it's commercially successful it'll open up new areas of research.

[@charlieritchie5110]

I suppose this could also be incorporated into the cargo airships that we keep hearing about?

[@pugmanick]

If this could be made transparent, it could be retro fitted to any window on any building / car / bus / train.... endless potential! Fantastic product.

[@pugmanick]

@The Tired Horizon I did think of wrap, but as far as I know wrap has to be stretched to fit, so I assumed this would damage the film... who knows - lets hope it works out!

[@yt.personal.identification]

This sounds like a variation on the printable solar panels designed by Australia's CSIRO. Maybe someone is finally taking it to market.

[@mcyoung21121]

I want a 4x4 electric sprinter van with this solar roll as an awning. Would be so dope

[@Tsnafu]

I was thinking more like vinyl wrapping the entire van with it

[@georganatoly6646]

might be the first tech showcased on this channel that actually seems like it has potential, super clever design -- edit: because it's realistic, practical in installation/use, and broadly applicable

[@TutorWindow]

I'm optimistic about this. Thank you for making this video.

[@NicolasMendoula]

Looks interesting

[@SRJCUSSEN]

What a time to be alive. 👏👏👏

[@barryhamm3414]

While your at COP don't forget to say "Hi" to the Australian PM, he'll be the guy who's standling alone, clutching a lump of coal and wearing a smirk.

[@cottawalla]

Indeed. Luckily though, back here most of the country (states, corporates and individuals) just ignore him and his Federal LNP mates and get on with it anyway. In Glasgow he'll be looking for ways to take credit for their work. Matias Korman, previously the Australian Finance Minister and the guy who killed off our first attempt to price carbon and is now the OECD Secretary-General, has done a complete 180 and now advocates a price on carbon. "Where my people go I must go also, for I am their leader." Some French dude.

[@mbarber4089]

Love your comment. If we could only sober up a few Australians before they vote we may become a more progressive country - it is embarrassing to have Morrison on the world stage. We are becoming the backwater of the developed world.

[@cottawalla]

I have to credit the wit of Annabel Crabb from the ABC for the quote in my previous comment and it's connection to the issue. She attributed the original utterance to the wit of Alexandre Ledru-Rollin, a character from the French revolution.

[@1BCamden]

Don’t waste your time, he is an embarrassment to Australia, and knows only how to talk down to you.

[@shawnr771]

@@mbarber4089 Joining the US I see.

[@007Technologist]

Thank you Dave for a very well produced documentary look at this ingenious idea and effort.

[@deanwellerassociates]

Very cool technology, innovation and creativity exquisitely executed. This is the sort of business that needs large scale government backing. Could this be part of the solution for high rise cladding?

[@RWBHere]

Thanks Dave. Excellent video, as always. 🙂👍 People will be able to print this material at home before much longer.

[@hiltonian_1260]

The adhesive part is what interests me. I have worked in the solar industry for decades and watched the price of modules drop by 10x. At this point, weirdly, the aluminum racking to support the modules is actually more expensive than the modules themselves, at least for smaller installations. There was a company making peel-and-stick amorphous silicon modules, but they couldn’t match the price drop of conventional modules and went bust. Given the lower efficiency, this product would have to be below a buck a watt to compete. Conventional modules are about $0.50 a watt by the pallet right now. There’s a lot of raised seam roof acreage out there that could use this stuff.

[@barbaraconsulting3491]

Thank you. This is so exciting.

[@samspencer7765]

Pilot plant 2021 Larger Volume 2022 Mass production 2023 THIS. This is the sort of aggressive timescale we need. It's laughable when you see things like traditional automakers saying "we're piloting a new (almost already outdated) city electric vehicle, if all goes well by 2025". Do they think the rest of the world will wait for them?

[@janami-dharmam]

These kind of timelines are for the banks (venture capitalists) and not for us. It always takes more time because of continuous development, as the boilerplate saying goes.

[@tempusOregano]

Covering your roof with this should also help keep your house cooler in summer; the film appears quite reflective, so it would act a little like solar paint as far as the IR is concerned.

[@jimgraham6722]

Great idea. I wonder how this material would hold up as a cloth such as a solar shade cloth? Would stretch and strain damage the microstructures? Also what would be its durability under UV? I guess if it's cheap enough, if the material wears out you could simply peal it off and replace it, which then raise issue of recyclability.

[@ingridgilbert4917]

That was my thought as well, how much more plastic will it add up to? Otherwise sounds good.

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

One of The Most Awesome and 'Intentionally' Focus Friendly' Channels on KZbin! Thank You!🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@garthvanheerden1222]

i would love to find out how it deals with sub zero temperatures. here in canada the weather is one of the big thing that wears on existing solar panels. our winter tends to kill most of the small scale solar lights that we have in our garden, if this tech can't manage the freezing temperature then it wouldn't be useable in many of the applications mentioned as a possibility here.

[@DocJaeBass]

Yeah, I get it as I live in Montana - lots of damage with the cold. But, how many people live in the south: Asia, Africa, South America. This tech may not be for us directly, but wow, it could be a game changer for hundreds of millions of others.

[@garthvanheerden1222]

@@DocJaeBass absolutely... and realize I am not saying that it won't work up here, I am asking for below zero trials to be done so that it CAN work up here. it sounds like there might be some temperature issues involved in some of the bending properties... freezing some of the more malleable plastics tends to end badly... but if it can be managed, bring it on.

[@AnalystPrime]

Great video an interesting technology. Some people try to claim solar does not work because panels are too inefficient, but the only reason why we prefer higher efficiency is that installing one 400W panel costs much less than installing four 100W panels. This film could be glued to roofs or walls or one could make frames and turn the film into super lightweigth panels; either way would drop the amount of installation work needed and make it much easier for DIY people so professionals are only needed to check the electric connections.

[@pandit-jee-bihar]

It raises my hopes, we might have solar fabric capable of using sunlight to charge my mobile phone while I am strolling outside. The only issue would be to find a tailer who can do the stitching to suit my clothing preferences.

[@JohnnyWednesday]

I want a hat with a sterling engine inside - keep my head cool

[@oplkfdhgk]

You could get one of those solar backpacks. They basically already do that. :)

[@VM-MAX]

Brilliant. This is what we need. I can think of many applications already. Thank you for your superb channel. I'm always interested in technology especially in the fields of creating energy and clean water. Civil Structural designer.