Konarka Technologies Is Changing How Solar Power Is Made and Used
April 21, 2005
Solar power is breaking out of its stereotype as rigid silicon modules mounted on the roof. One company is making research strides toward solar power that is more portable, personal and economical.
Konarka Technologies has developed photovoltaic cells that allow solar modules to be made of flexible plastic or even fabric. The company is working on cells that would improve the efficiency of photovoltaics indoors and out.
The 40-person company is headquartered in Lowell, Mass., with a European headquarters in Germany, and R&D subsidiaries in Switzerland and Austria. In under four years, Konarka has introduced breakthroughs that could forever change the way we think about photovoltaics.
|
Power plastics are more lightweight and durable than their predecessors, enabling realistic applications of photovoltaics for portable computing. This strip is about one inch wide. The solar recharging panel (inset), made with the plastic, folds up to fit in a pocket. (Konarka and Energy Priorities photos.) |
Power plastics: photovoltaics without the constraints of silicon
Konarka exhibited at the Power-Gen Renewable Energy Conference, where it showed the company's photovoltaic plastic, or "power plastics." Unlike rigid solar modules, photovoltaic plastic film is lightweight, durable and flexible.
The form factors possible with power plastics will enable new uses of photovoltaics. Plastics can be integrated into products that would provide a convenient power source -- a laptop carrying case, for example, or even the housing of the laptop itself -- that recharge mobile devices by converting light into current.
Power plastics have another key advantage over earlier technologies: lower cost. With widespread adoption, Konarka says the cost per watt could be half that of conventional solar modules.
"From a price standpoint, the silicon-based photovoltaics industry is close to where it's going to end up," says Konarka Executive VP Daniel McGahn. "Konarka is taking a very different approach with a whole different set of economics."
We've demonstrated that we can manufacture photovoltaics in a fiber.
--Russ Gaudiana, Ph.D., Konarka.
The current shortage of silicon for photovoltaic manufacturing is expected to worsen in 2005. Konarka's approach reduces costs in part by manufacturing solar cells without silicon. Solar cells can be made at lower temperatures and -- more importantly for economies of scale -- manufactured in larger volumes.
But Konarka is looking well beyond the current scarcity economics of silicon. By eliminating silicon, photovoltaics manufacturing breaks other constraint of its semiconductor roots. Instead of being limited to eight-inch silicon wafers, plastic solar modules can be manufactured on large rolls of material which holds promising implications for utility-class photovoltaic installations.
The first commercial applications of power plastics, developed with partners over the next two years, will be much smaller products aimed at the mobile electronics market.
Powerful pair: cold sintering and dye-sensitized photovoltaics
Technologies like power plastics have come through collaboration between Konarka and some of the world's most respected solar research organizations.
Konarka got its start in 2000 by licensing a breakthrough chemical process known as cold sintering from the University of Massachusetts. The cold sintering technology makes it possible to adhere the layers of a solar cell at relatively low temperatures.
Without the need for a material that can survive destructive heat -- typically glass or silicon -- Konarka could adhere solar cells to a common material such as plastic. The next step was to find a photovoltaic technology that takes advantage of the cold sintering process.
In 2002, Konarka licensed a dye-sensitized solar cell technology developed in Switzerland. Dye-sensitized technology is based on a semiconductor made of nanometer-scale crystals of titanium dioxide, coated with a light-absorbing dye, and embedded in an electrolyte. This technology and cold sintering made a powerful pair.
Konarka cold sinters the dye-sensitized photovoltaic material to plastic using high-volume roll manufacturing techniques perfected in the printing and coating industries. The result: economical power plastics.
Solar fabrics remove barriers to wearable computing
In a subsequent development, Konarka has demonstrated a photovoltaic fiber that generates electricity. Solar fiber will allow for even tighter intertwining of photovoltaic materials and the devices they power.While plastics can be used in pocket solar chargers for mobile devices, fabrics would have the power source literally woven in.
The advent of solar fabric breaks down a barrier to wearable computing, the notion of integrating electronics into clothes. Initially, handheld phones and PDAs will be plugged into a jacket to recharge. Eventually, those devices would become part of the garment, too.
|
Photovoltaic fiber, when woven into a fabric, could be used in garments that provide power for mobile electronic devices. (Konarka photo.) |
Organic photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaic fiber is an example of Konarka's material-neutral strategy to combine the best technologies for each solar application. In this case, Konarka built upon developments in conducting polymers, the basis of organic photovoltaic cells.
An organic cell uses a series of polymers that perform a conventional cell's three functions: to absorb light, transfer electrons, and rebalance the charge to receive more electrons. The ideal would be to find one polymer composite that is able to perform all three functions.
"Our goal is to understand and utilize the best available materials," McGahn says. "We want to perfect the manufacturing process. We'll continue to look at novel materials, especially in the nano space, that are applicable to this."
One avenue of research into organic photovoltaics builds on related work in organic light emitting diodes. OLEDs are conductive polymer displays that can be used on mobile and industrial devices.
The company recently licensed DuPont technologies that it can apply to photovoltaics. Konarka can take advantage of DuPont’s research into photoactive and conductive polymers.
"You can think of organic photovoltaics as just an inverted form of the organic LED," says McGahn. "Instead of putting energy in and getting light out, you put light in and get electricity out." The material requirements, however, aren't as demanding.
Konarka entered the organic solar cell technology arena through its acquisition of Quantum Solar Energy Linz in 2003. At that time, Quantum had filed for several patents in the field of conducting polymers and had successfully demonstrated power generation from an organic solar cell.
Konarka is now considering the possibilities of combining organic solar cell technology with its dye-sensitized solar cell technology and its experience with roll-to-roll manufacturing, to produce a hybrid photovoltaic cell.
Hybrid solar cells: fine-tuned for the available spectrum
Hybrid cells could produce the next big advancement in photovoltaic efficiency. Thus far, solar cells can convert the sun's energy at about 16 percent efficiency. Konarka hopes to reach 20 percent efficiency with hybrid photovoltaics.
Hybrids could combine the advantages of dye-sensitized solar cells and conducting polymers. In addition to increasing efficiency, hybrid research works to expand the part of the light spectrum that can be converted to electricity.
If Konarka succeeds, it will have developed photovoltaic materials that can be fine-tuned to match the environment in which they need to operate: in fluorescent light, the Nevada desert, or the overcast Northwest, for example.
One way Konarka is pursuing hybrid research in a recently-announced partnership with Evident Technologies. Konarka plans to combine its conducting polymers with Evident's quantum dot nanotechnology.
The increased surface area of dots could make cells more efficient and increase their sensitivity to a wider range of the light spectrum, including infrared. The technology also brings solar cell manufacturing techniques closer to those of conventional printing, thus furthering the revolutionary economies of nanoscale photovoltaics.
Bringing the possibilities to light through commercialization
While hybrid solar cells and photovoltaic fabrics are in the early stages of research, Konarka is ready to commercialize its power plastics. The first products might be a pocket battery charger and a coated photovoltaic tent material. But you're not likely to see Konarka's logo on a tent or jacket.
The fact that ChevronTexaco is also a Konarka investor suggests that even the big oil firms are hedging the future with bets on alternative sources of energy.
--Dow Jones VentureWire Alert
"We're in the business of making the photovoltaics, whether it be a textile or a plastic," says McGahn. "We're not in the business of making ski jackets or laptop cases, so we're partnering with companies who can integrate this into final product applications and help us bring it to market."
Konarka is opening discussions with companies in a variety of product categories. It also doesn't rule out the possibility of Konarka-branded products, one day. Meanwhile, research continues. Watch for more breakthroughs from this company, just don't look for a Konarka Parka.
Comments
Isnt that nice. Another solar break through.
I wonder when we'll start seeing all the other companies' that have recieved grants and etc "special improvments"?
Posted by: Juiced | April 24, 2005 11:19 AM
Sounds great.
I'd really consider investing if Konarka wasn't funded by ChevronTexaco.
Posted by: Daniel | April 27, 2005 02:33 PM
Konarka signed a new $1.6 million contract with the Army to bring its light-activated power plastic's power generation capabilities to solider systems and support infrastructure. The deal includes orders for battery chargers, self-powered sensor systems and power-producing structures like tents, as well as R&D dollars for work on Konarka's coloring and patterning features and power thread and fabric.
By delivering renewable energy generation in the devices, systems and structures that normally go into the battlefield, Konarka is helping the increasingly digital soldiers become less dependent on supply logistics and locally available power sources.
(Source: Konarka)
Posted by: Denis Du Bois | May 4, 2005 01:45 PM
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7745709/
An Associated Press article about Konarka's recent contract for military solar applications triggered some coverage of the company. Link above includes graphics showing how power plastics might be used on the battlefield.
On the one hand, Konarka's founders originally cited the goal of electrifying remote villages in the third world; on the other hand, the military is an accelerator for costly new technologies that eventually reach the street.
Can a company like Konarka succeed at bringing advanced technologies to market, without having them first deployed for battle? Almost every energy technology is facing this philosophical dilemma.
What would you do?
Posted by: Denis Du Bois | May 17, 2005 10:20 AM
This morning, Konarka announced it received a new $100,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to fund additional research efforts focused on improving the performance of its plastic solar technologies.
http://konarka.com/news_and_events/press_releases/2005/11_november/1130_nation_science_foundation.php
Developing materials with high energy absorption that result in high current output will increase overall photovoltaic cell performance. Such increases would significantly raise the efficiency of polymer-based cells, possibly reaching performance levels comparable to those shown by silicon-based solar technology in the laboratory. While Konarka is already applying its Power Plastic to energy, communications and military applications, reaching higher efficiencies opens up the potential for more applications and access to a broader set of energy markets
This award, the second awarded to Konarka this year, comes as a direct result of the progress the company has made in earlier NSF projects.
Posted by: Konarka | November 30, 2005 11:17 AM
Its great to be cost effective practically in Pv s along with technological innovation. the thing is that what is the difference b/w the low cost plastic cell developed by UCLA Prof. Yang Yang and this one. Most importantly and the main is will Konarka be able to produce more power, cheap cell for mass production entering open market in a year or so. If that will be done it will be a good breakthrough in renewables.
Posted by: Rahul Kumar | December 8, 2005 12:34 AM
Dear Sir,
I have got your site name from BBC/CNN .Thank you.
I am looking for Solar applications for a cluster of homes,in INDIA...could you help???
Do you have a Rep in India??
THANKS,
Mohandas
Posted by: E.K.MOHANDAS | December 11, 2005 05:22 AM
Based on around three years of my basic research dealing with Dye Sensitized solar Cell I realize that Konarka is one of the leaders in translating basic research into practice. A commendable job has been done by the company and I hope and wish that the company will light the world in coming years with revolutionary technogy of solar cell on plastic, glass & fabric. Keep it up konarka, I have visited your website so many times and I have always seen an improvement. Light up the aspirations of common man through your innovation.
Ramanuj
Posted by: Dr Ramanuj Narayan | October 25, 2006 08:19 PM
The fact that ChevronTexaco is also a Konarka investor suggests that even the big oil firms are hedging the future with bets on alternative sources of energy or they purchase it like so many other oil reducing products that sit on the back shelf of the R$D Department gathering dust while convincing american manufacturers to produce very large vehicles that have less gas mileage than their 70's counterparts!
You know that Big Oil is in charge when the poster boy for Saudi Interest's is the President of the US
JEFF
Posted by: Jeff Hurt | January 22, 2007 07:39 PM
As a geologist employed in the hunt for hydrocarbons nothing would please me more than to have these plastic solar cells eliminate the need for hydrocarbons for the generation of electricity, heat and ultimately as a feed stock for nearly everything used in today’s modern world. Please get this technology out quickly so I can go back to what I really like to do: Looking for dinosaur bones and meteorites!
Posted by: Larry Davis | May 6, 2007 08:23 PM
Congratulation! Your product is looking amazing!!
I am an electrical engineer with more than 30 years experience on power system my vision is to built a cheap hybrid generator (price of refrigerator! not more & available to any family use)
I am now on final phase of development of this Hybrid system for domestic use power system .the market I look for, is around the Mediterranean Sea , Africa & sunny countries. The power system at full operation (wind + photovoltaic) must generate 500 w. The daily energy at full power is expected at 5 Kw /e for 10 hour operation/day, only. & a monthly total of 1500 Kw/Hr Months .The energy waste will be soled to facility by the buyers.
I will use a vertical wind turbine and a photovoltaic system from the same device.
I think your flexible photocell plastic maybe very well adapted to my project. I will be very glad receiving more technical info your product
Thank you in anticipation & best regards
Joshua
Ashdod city
Israel
Posted by: Joshua SAADA | June 12, 2007 07:22 AM
I am a fashion designer
I am going to design a range of clothes which needs to be designed with sustainable fabrics
for my research how would I get a small sample of the fiber?
applied contracts
bristol road south
rednal
birmingham
b45 9qd
Posted by: saskia dite | October 12, 2007 02:24 AM
I was fortunate enought to see the science channel and was totally amazed. Photons with curb appeal. Keep exercising your dreams good luck with it! I know it just did not just happen overnight for sure.
Posted by: David | October 24, 2007 10:54 PM
How come they dont talk about solar panels for
houses. just laptops and cell phones if its 20% efficent and half the price ?
Posted by: Kevin | October 25, 2007 03:36 PM
I also saw the science channel bit. It occurred to me that a practical "delivery system" for the photovoltaic film is in order. Interested? You have my e-mail.
Posted by: DwC | October 30, 2007 12:18 PM
like to know when the product demonstrated will be commercially available
Posted by: joffy tomkins | December 6, 2007 03:15 AM
This is the most exciting break through in solar energy I have ever seen.
Posted by: Dr. Brian Erlandson | January 8, 2008 09:35 PM
I have about 3000 sq.ft. house use 2650 KWH per mo. Have big pines all around. How much do I need? and what would it cost? Can I see some pics of installation?
Posted by: Tommy Finley | January 15, 2008 08:00 AM
Cheers for Konarka and for Alan Geeger!!! What is a little frightening is that chevron could, " Chev" it up our butts, by buying the patent from Konarka and then keep this technology from ever making it to the market-place. Ouch!!!
Posted by: j duffy | January 20, 2008 05:17 AM
When will we see an electric sailboat; combining wind, solar fabric sails, and solar plastic deck components with battery/fuel cell/elcetric motor/reversible generator in the keel?
Posted by: Rob Workng | February 9, 2008 12:01 PM
How well would this be able to power an electric car? Why not cover a car in this material?
With Carbonfiber to make it light and new battery technology and now your solar tech. Can't we get this all together and make one hell of a car? Thanks
Posted by: Patrick | April 22, 2008 09:50 PM
this is a very good start at putting the san diego.ca sun to work for me at home ,i can put these strip in a pleasing arangment on my home
Posted by: steven h guillory | April 30, 2008 09:40 AM
I also saw this tech on the science channel and was amazed. What's even more amazing is that this tech is not available on the shelf yet. The major problem I think with large scale application is weathering..plastics tend to shred in moderate to high winds. Paints also deteriorate over time, but, conventional PVs have around a 10-20 year life span and are twice the price. Effectively the "power plastic" cells would need to be applied to something with rigidity in order to be used in most weather conditions. As for painting on a vehicle a small chip in the paint could potentially take down the whole system or part of it. Every new technology has its hurdles, these all seem very small to me. Lets get this show on the road!!
Posted by: Aaron | May 6, 2008 10:33 PM
i need more technical info trying to put into market this very cleaver product
Posted by: Joshua SAADA | May 12, 2008 07:43 PM
Mount Dora FL
Good Morning, Last night on the science channel I did see an article about solar energy and you where Sited as “” The Solar Company”” Just looked at your site and postings, resulting in a simple question: When and where can I buy a roll of your flex roll to put on my Hot & Sunny FL Roof???
Aimar
Posted by: Aimar DONTENVILLE | May 13, 2008 07:00 AM
I to saw the science channel and was impressed.
You can print it on a film can you spray it on to other type surfices?
Jim
Posted by: Jim Christensen | May 13, 2008 08:10 AM
If the company needs to clear its corporate investment conscience, it should go public and take in some honest funding and let the people it will serve with its products own a piece of its soul.
Posted by: Lee Dibble | June 7, 2008 05:20 PM
When can we get a roll of this power plastic for solar power for my home. I have a 24/7 daughter who has to have airconditioning 24/7, To go solar, is an impossible dream, because it is too dear. Please hurry and get this product on the market and please keep the price down. If you want to trail this in Australia, I am well in truly interested. Thank You
Posted by: Kerry Weick | June 14, 2008 06:20 PM
I am in exactly the same boat as Kerry Welck (posted June 14, 2008). I also, am from Australia and have wanted to go solar for many years, but it has always been cost prohibitive. I saw this product on Discovery Channel, and ever since I have been trying to obtain information as to its availability. Can you please help?
Thank you.
Posted by: Adrian Raumer | July 26, 2008 05:57 AM
I saw this on the Science Channel and was instantly wondering if this miraclous material could be sponsored by some large company (Like Chevron) to install on older Mobile Homes to benefit seniors who don't use AC in summer here in Florida because they can't afford the power company bill. . . Imagine good hearted retired Americans forced to live in 95 degree heat all summer because they're poor. Not pretty.
I wish that some company would set aside just 1 retrofit for every 20-30 sales to help a poor older person live better.
Since retirement, our own budget leaves us $60 per month to spend as we like. . can we buy these panels?
Judie St. Onge
Posted by: Judie St. Onge | July 28, 2008 07:46 AM
Thanks for your comments on this 2005 article. Unfortunately I don't have an update about Konarka's progress.
Many readers have seen re-runs of a Science Channel program that mentions Konarka. The common question is: When can the world get Konarka's power plastics?
Konarka has been steadily attracting capital, patents, scientists, and major partners. But we haven't seen a product, or any indication of when their polymer PV technology will be commercialized.
That doesn't necessarily mean the technology is at a stand-still. Konarka was at one time prioritizing military contracts, a logical first step for new technologies. If those deals exist, news about them might not be made public.
Some of you have asked about the cost. You should not expect photovoltaic fabrics and plastics to be a low-cost PV technology, compared to mature mass-produced crystalline silicon PV.
Posted by: Editor | August 4, 2008 10:36 AM
I look forward to its availability for use as a sail supporting an electric motor on a boat.
Posted by: Elton Howard | September 3, 2008 04:06 PM
So, government already gets this product. When do low life commoners get a shot at obtaining this product. Or do we just do without so that government and its corporate owners can rob us of our last penny and then imprison us for rioting for better living standards?
Posted by: Jim Dean | September 22, 2008 10:15 AM
Konarka finally makes a move -- After years of near silence, last week the company said it has has opened a roll-to-roll flexible thin film solar manufacturing facility, preparing for the commercialization and mass production of its "Power Plastic." Located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the 250,000 square foot building was previously a Polaroid Corporation location. No information was provided about the first commercial applications.
Posted by: DD | October 13, 2008 10:42 AM
Your Technology well save the Planet and give America back its economic Sovereignty. the Houseing and Automotive industry need you.
Posted by: DL Daniels | October 18, 2008 02:33 PM
Would you sell this by the roll so a retailer could sell it by the foot for remodelers who want to apply it to the roofs of their mobiles? We live in the McAllen, TX area where there are thousands of seniors who live in mobiles during the winter months. Could be a good market with over 200 senior resort parks. Why don't you sell the product in rolls and list the prices on your web sites?
Posted by: Ccombs | December 23, 2008 12:40 AM
Very exciting, and interesting, are you selling stock shares ? If so how much are they?
Posted by: Collette Edmunds | December 29, 2008 05:08 PM
Konarka, do you sell stock to the public at this time?
Posted by: mark simmons | January 7, 2009 05:47 PM
If the auto industry waited to put cars on the market as long as Konarka has waited to put this Power Plastic on the market, we all would still be walking or riding a horse!!!!
Posted by: Lewis | February 2, 2009 07:58 PM
Konarka today announced it has received $5 million in financing in connection with its recently opened production facility in the city of New Bedford. The long-term loan comes from a funding collaboration between the Emerging Technology Fund of Massachusetts Development Finance Agency and the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust’s Business Expansion Initiative.
Posted by: DD | February 18, 2009 06:26 AM
I don't care if it generates power for weapons, as long as we can get it commercially to the public as well and not be slaves to the terrorist countries that have oil. They said they should be able to get costs down to $0.10/watt by 2010. That's amazing and I will use it for sure if they can.
Posted by: Les | July 14, 2009 04:55 PM
Hi, I saw this product lately but apparently its been around since 2005, has the product been launched commercially if so we would like to promote it in our country Malta and maybe North Africa as well.
Thank you,
Regards,
John Galea
Posted by: John Galea | August 7, 2009 08:10 AM
Hello,
How can I buy konarka products? What is the cost for this films developed by Konarka
Posted by: vikas saigal | September 22, 2009 11:11 PM
Konarka, I have a feeling that at this moment you are doing markieting for your product that did not sell it yet, is not?
Posted by: BOB | October 6, 2009 09:31 AM
How do we go about purchasing this product what is the approxomate cost ?
Posted by: Roy | November 5, 2009 10:49 AM
I'm excited about your product. Am looking forward to 1. being able to purchase your product and 2. ability to publicly investing in your company and ideas.
Posted by: Kendall Johnson | January 5, 2010 12:32 PM