Science Nation - Spray-On Solar

Chemical engineers at the University of Texas in Austin are researching new "spray-on" applications for photovoltaic panels. With support from the National Science Foundation, Brian Korgel and his team are testing out nanoparticle "inks" that are designed to be painted on rooftops or the sides of buildings. The technology is not yet at the same levels of efficiency as standard, commercial photovoltaic panels, but Korgel expects some commercial uses for his research within three to five years. And, because they are semi-transparent the new cells could allow windows to double as solar collection cells.