Gearlog: MIT makes Paper-Thin Solar Cells

"The mega-brains at MIT have developed paper-thin solar cells--the future of solar power. These tiny solar cells are deposited onto simple tracing paper in five layers, using inexpensive, abundant, organic materials.

When laminated, the cells are flexible and could easily be attached to roofs, function as window blinds, or used indoors. With cells this thin, the possibilities for application are nearly limitless.

Eni, an Italian oil company, is funding this research and development to produce cheaper solar power and new techniques for cleaning up oil spills. Although the efficiency of the solar cells is currently one percent, which is enough to power one small LED light, this new technology will only continue to develop and improve, and a commercial product could be available in, as little as, five years. "