MIPS Project Detail:

Solar Tech Inc

Optimizing Printable Solar Cell Technology

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Company

Solar Tech Inc

Hollywood

Saint Mary’s

County

, Maryland

Founded:

2005

Website:

https://solartechinc.net/

Company Description:

Solar Tech Inc. is selling SolarTechPrints solar panels to roofers and related solar energy contractors to install on their clients’ homes and businesses

SolarTechPrints (STPs) are lightweight, flexible solar panels that can be rolled for shipping purposes and can be easily applied by contractors and customers alike. There are seven layers required for STPs to work: a base paper/foil layer, a layer of zinc oxide nanocrystals, a layer of silver nanopowder, a layer of nickel oxide nanocrystals, a layer of tin perovskites, a layer of silver nanowires, and a final protective layer of a clear UV-resistant lacquer. From the manufacturer’s standpoint, this product is easily produced through the use of a specialized printer. Its inorganic compounds are also beneficial in that they will heighten the product’s lasting power.

STPs are based on a prototype with a licensed patent of a solar spray produced by Townsend.

MIPS Project

Optimizing Printable Solar Cell Technology

Project #

5805

|

MIPS Round

58 |

Starting Date:

Aug 2016

MIPS Project Challenge:
The goal of this MIPS project is to develop a proof-ofconcept process for printing efficient and stable solar modules using a materials printer.

Project Scope:
Through this MIPS project, researchers plan to: print each individual layer with optimization based on characterization with UV/Vis, FTIR spectroscopy (in house) and SEM microscopy (collaborators); print complete devices in a sequential layer-by-layer process, optimizing heat treatments and testing devices under simulated AM 1.5 sunlight; and perform final optimizations and testing environmental stability under controlled temperatures, pressures, humidity, icing conditions and extended light exposure.

With an estimated cost of $4,500 for a standard fivekilowatt system, SolarTechPrints (STPs) could sufficiently power an average American home. Since this product is nontoxic, lightweight, easily installed, and flexible, it is desirable by the standards of manufacturers as well as customers, and can easily be shipped nationwide. Common and troublesome inconveniences and complexities in time and labor have been minimized with STPs.

(Source: Solar Tech, Inc.)

Results:

Professor Townsend was selected to present at TEDxLeornardtown, a local TED talk series, based on progress made on this MIPS project. The popularity of this platform served to increase Solar Tech Inc.’s visibility in the market place. This talk reached members of the community and will reach a wide audience as a feature on the TED website.