The EU has granted3.3mn to a consortium led bySwedishstartupEpishine.
The groups mission is to boost the development of organic solar panels.
In this case, organic refers to solar panels that are carbon-based.
Instead of using silicon to conduct electricity, these solar panels utilise organic molecules.
Organic solar cells are very lightweight, cheap, semi-transparent, printable, and flexible.
They can also convert indoor light into electricity.
However, theyre perfectly suited for powering smaller electronics like remote controls and wireless keyboards or IoT devices.
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Epishine has also built solar-powered electronic shelf labels and integrated circuits for chips.
The company is even working with ChinasNichicon to developa self-charging battery powered by light.
For these types of products we seem to have a unique product market fit.
In November, Epishineopened a new solar cell factoryto meet growing demand.
The new facility has the capacity to produce 100 million modules annually, using the companys roll-to-roll printing technology.
This system prints solar cells on very long rolls of plastic, which can dramatically speed up production.
Details of the funding and consortium are currently scant.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
