Konarka Techologies has recently released their OPV, organic-based photovoltaic solar cell, which they claim has an 8.3% efficiency. This 38% improvement over the previous lauded 6% efficient cells, it starting to make solar panels seem a bit more cost effective. Normally, the "payback" on a solar panel takes a year or more to pay for itself. In some cases, recovering the cost is impossible, even after the total life cycle of a panel has passed.
So, with their new panel, under a best case situation, it is possible to recover the investment in as little as 8 months.
Being somewhat flexible, and solderable connectors, these panels can help spur some interesting developments. But keep in mind, the return on investment require direct, constant, unobstructed sunlight. Cover every building's roof in a city with these!
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