It's been reported in Japan that Japanese printing company Dai Nippon Printing Co and textile maker Gunze Ltd are each working to commercialise inexpensive, pigment-sensitised solar cells as early as 2010, joining the ranks of nonelectronics companies trying to break into the solar cell business.
The technology used by Dai Nippon Printing involves coating a plastic sheet with a pigment membrane.They say that these cells have a modest energy conversion efficiency of 3.5 percent, but production can be launched at a low cost because they can be manufactured using ordinary printing machines.
The firm has reported receiving enquiries from computer manufacturers, but wants to run more tests before launching mass production, the report said.
Gunze intends to commercialise a solar cell based on a pigment-coated film for use as a power source for electronic devices and small in-store advertisements to take advantage of its ability to generate power, even from weak indoor light.
Flexible film means that it can be easily shaped into various forms.
Gunze is looking at combining it with textiles and clothing and may develop caps with solar cells on their brims to supply power to portable music players.
Dai Nippon Printing
www.dnp.co.jp
