Norwegian company EnSol has patented a prototype thin film solar cell technology designed to be sprayed onto any glass surface. If this technology works as planned, it could take away the need to install big solar panels on rooftops, particularly in industrial settings.
Unlike traditional silicon-based solar cells, EnSol’s film uses metal nanoparticles embedded in a transparent composite matrix. Ensol’s collaboration with the University of Leicester’s Department of Physics and Astronomy could see the product commercialised by 2016.
