The first public demonstration of new printable solar panels took place in Melbourne this week.
The technology was debuted at PacPrint, the annual technology showcase for the printing and graphics industry.
Victoria’s Energy Minister Lisa D’Ambrosio opened the event, saying her government was committed to supporting new energy solutions such as the printable solar panels.
“This project is yet another great example of the innovative new energy technologies that we can develop here in Victoria with the right support,” she said.
“It is good for local manufacturing, and it is good for jobs.”
Last year, the Minister announced a $20 million fund to create jobs in businesses developing new energy technologies.
Printed electronics open new markets
PacPrint had a dedicated solar energy display this year, and attendees heard from the University of Newcastle team that developed the printable solar panels.
A spokesperson for PacPrint said that driven by technologies like printed solar, the print industry is set to become a key provider of energy cells.
Organic solar cells are only one example of the amazing applications of organic printed electronics being developed for a multitude of uses, the spokesperson added.
Together with 3D printing, new technology like solar panel printing is creating important new markets for the print industry.
Printable solar panels means a bright future for printers
Adrian Fleming, Chair of PacPrint 2017, said the future for print looks bright.
“We are delighted to be bringing a diverse range of world-leading technologies to PacPrint, including exciting developments like the organic solar initiative, which represents a tremendous opportunity for the sustainability and future of the print industry,” he said.
This is not the first time Victoria has shown its enthusiasm for printable solar technology.
Eight years ago, the then Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Peter Batchelor, announced the beginning of trials to print solar cells using technology developed by the CSIRO.
According to the Printing Industries Association of Australia, the print industry provides jobs for more than 184,000 Australians across more than 26,000 businesses. It pays more than $11 billion in wages and salaries each year.
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