Spray-On Solar-Power Cells Are True Breakthrough

National Geographic ^ | January 14, 2005 | Stefan Lovgren

[Semi Civil Servant]

Scientists have invented a plastic solar cell that can turn the sun's power into electrical energy, even on a cloudy day.

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?

Spray-On Solar-Power Cells?

[Edward Watson]

Two things:

1. The working prototype of Lumeloid was tested and proven to work. So it isn't "unobtainium." A major oil company offered him $9 million (IIRC) for the US Patent which he turned down for fear they will sit on the invention and not develop it to aid mankind. Would they do that for unobtainium? (Do a Google search using Lumeloid, Dr Alvin Marks, you'll find it).

2. Of course I know the US isn't on the equator and neither are the majority of Americans at the exact latitude computed in the table I responded to. And your point is???

[Boot Hill]

"right now I can find the 167W almost the same as 175W..."

I downloaded and printed the spec sheet for the Kyocera KC167G, that you suggested might be "almost the same" as the Shell SQ175-PC. Problem is, that the data provided is insufficient to discern if it is (more or less) equivalent.

Be aware, you can not rely on the spec'd max output from the manufacturer because those power levels are developed under entirely unrealistically high light levels and artificially low cell temperatures, all of which tend to show a false high level of efficiency .

But even were the Kyocera a comparable model, all you've managed to do is to is lower the payback period from 33 years to 31 years. Are you familiar with the phrase, "mouse nuts"?

--Boot Hill

[Boot Hill]

"The working prototype of Lumeloid was tested and proven to work. So it isn't unobtainium."

Ping me if he ever begins shipping product!

--Boot Hill

[null and void]

I got my solar array years ago. In another 20 years or so it should reach break even...

[null and void]

*snrk*

[Kozak]

i think "pons and fleischman".

Such a cynic. By the way Cold fusion is making something of a comeback. The latest stuff seems to indicate something real may have been going on.

"The America Physical Society will feature a full session presenting solid state (cold) fusion papers on Thursday March 24th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This APS presentation of work in the field follows the recent (Dec. 1, 2004) DOE report which acknowledges cold fusion experimental results have now convinced the DOE that the field is indeed real science and the earlier US Navy report giving unreserved support for findings in the field.

Highlighting the papers presented will be reports of reproducible experiments producing both the heat and nuclear signature of fusion (helium). Additional papers will show the characteristics of materials involved in these solid state fusion reactions as well as showing that classical nuclear reaction fingerprints of fissioning metals are also found in solid state fusion materials.

Ardent skeptics of this field have consistently demanded that researchers must show both the heat and ashes of fusion. APS presentors trust those skeptics will be in attendance for these historic presentations of precisely that evidence. "

[Edward Watson]

You know, be a skeptic all you want. I happen to know what's going on with the company and the financial problems they've gone through. Admittedly, a lot of it had to do with the inventor who didn't want to give up control of his invention in exchange for financing. Many insitutions and companies offered financing but wanted more than the small percentages he was willing to part with. If he was only willing to part with more, we probably would be able to buy Lumeloid at Home Depot by now.

He does have a remarkable track record though - 130 US pantents and was the person who invented the mass production techniques for the 3-D glasses we used to wear when watching movies and was also President Kennedy's energy advisor.

[WhiteGuy]

This is exciting.

But what about those of us who don't like sweaters?

[null and void]

Body paint?

[sitetest]

Very cool.

My kids think so, too.

[WhiteGuy]

Body paint?


Bingo!

Also, think about this..............

hair pieces made of this stuff...........

Charge up the cell phone just by wearing a rug.

Am I a genius, or what?

[Walkin Man]

"If we could cover 0.1 percent of the Earth's surface with [very efficient] large-area solar cells," he said, "we could in principle replace all of our energy habits with a source of power which is clean and renewable."

I can just envision the howls of protest from the environmental wackjobs if they ever try this for real.

Probably will disturb some nameless desert sand flea...HORRORS!!!

[WhiteGuy]

"How about pants that capture methane?"

I'm working on this right now!

Not having a lot of success............

Last night was "burrito night" at my house........

[Paulus Invictus]

I need to spray it on my roof to try to beat the ever-increasing electrical bills. Where do we buy a few cans? Or is this just another source of power we will never see developed?

[Jimbaugh]

Get Rid of the Power Company BUMP

[null and void]

What.

[reagan_fanatic]

Why not just cover Michael Moore's body? It would be cheaper and it still would likely generate enough energy to supply the entire planet!

True, but this has already been tried. Unfortunately, the gaseous emissions badly corroded all the electrical connections and ruined the experiment.

[ikka]

You do seem knowledgeable about this. I am not saying that solar is feasible now, just that as the tech improves, there may well come a time (possibly in the next few years) that prices begin to drop and as prices drop, more people use it; then prices drop more due to market forces, causing even more adoption.

[longtermmemmory]

Where are the environwackos to give GRANTS to put this on as many homes as possible?