CSIRO opens facility to bring flexible solar tech to market

CSIRO has opened a $6.8 million facility in Clayton, Victoria, to take help meet the growing demand for renewable energy across sectors by taking its printed flexible solar technology out of the lab and into the real world.

Unlike traditional silicon solar panels, CSIRO’s flexible solar cells are printed on thin plastic films. This makes them lightweight, portable and suitable for various applications across urban construction, space, defence, mining, emergency management, disaster relief and wearables. CSIRO Executive Director (Digital, National Facilities and Collections) Professor Elanor Huntington said the CSIRO Printed Photovoltaic (PV) Facility will enable partners to access both researcher expertise and specialised equipment to improve and apply flexible solar technology in novel ways, anywhere there is sunlight.

“It’s exciting to see the techniques that enabled another great CSIRO invention to now be available to partners in industry to make a difference in Australia and globally. This not only offers incredible opportunities for Australian manufacturers but also contributes to addressing global energy challenges and advancing the transition to net zero,” Huntington said.

Dr Anthony Chesman, leader of CSIRO’s Energy Systems Group, said printed flexible solar is not intended to replace silicon rooftop panels, but rather to complement them. “This printed solar technology unlocks entirely new applications for affordable, versatile and sustainable energy generation,” Chesman said.

The solar cells are made using an advanced material called perovskite, which is printed on long continuous rolls of flexible film. Chesman said the multiple printing and laminating steps are performed in a single continuous operation, which cuts down on production costs and the upfront investment needed to get started.

“Our team has also developed an automated system that can produce as many as 14,000 test solar cells a day to fine-tune their design and performance. We’re looking for partners who want to join us on the R&D journey and ultimately take this technology to market. Our industry partners will gain access to both our cutting-edge equipment and our team of world-class scientists with their deep expertise in solar technology,” Chesman said.

In addition to printed flexible solar, the lab is equipped to explore other fields that use printable materials for battery and hydrogen technologies. Chesman encourages all interested organisations to get in touch.

Image caption: CSIRO’s flexible solar cells are suitable for various applications across urban construction, space, defence, mining, emergency management, disaster relief and wearables. Image credit: CSIRO.