Plexcore technology makes progress

The Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX) has provided guidance and funding to develop a special “conductive ink’ that can be used to make printed organic photovoltaic solar cell panels on very thin, flexible surfaces using ink-jet printing.

This new technology, called Plexcore, developed and manufactured by Pittsburgh- based Plextronics, allows solar cells to form-fit soldiers’ uniforms. It can also be used to print solar panels onto thin films in military tents. This technology can capture sunlight and store it as energy to power GPS components, portable communications, and other devices for U.S. soldiers. 

As per the information available, AFRL/RX and the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialisation Centre have signed an agreement.

This agreement has a provision for the development of a technology roadmap identifying technologies that AFRL/RX needs and is interested in funding. The Centre is responsible for reporting these needs to the industry and requesting proposals. This initiative has already resulted in work with Plextronics, a company focused on organic solar cell and organic light emitting diodes, and more specifically, the conductive inks and process technologies that enable such applications. 

It has been mentioned that Plexcore has some important advantages over silicon-based solar cell panels, including highly substantial cost reduction: approximately $50 per square metre versus $500 per square metre for silicon-based panels.

Earlier this year, Plextronics opened its first manufacturing development line (D-Line).

The D-Line is a small-scale manufacturing facility for printing solar demonstration modules for the purpose of developing printable solar inks using commercially relevant manufacturing techniques.