Scientists at MIT have succeeded in developing a new type of solar panel that is completely flexible and transparent. The panels are actually made of graphene, a material that has not yet been used. This technology could rapidly improve the usability of solar panels by allowing them to be used on small parts such as cell phones and clothing. What made this discovery revolutionary was mainly due to its superior properties. These superior properties include electrical conductivity and water filtration. When tested by Professor Jin Kong\’s team, the panels\’ energy conversion efficiency ranged from 2.8 to 4.1%, but the professor believes that with modifications, it could be as high as 10%. It remains to be seen how this technology will develop in the future.

Disadvantages of the new concept

The new production principle brings many advantages, but also serious problems. For the time being, the project is hampered mainly by the high cost of panel production and the lack of experience with graphene, the main material of the product. If problems arise in this regard, graphene could end up like asbestos in the past. Despite these shortcomings, however, research is well underway. If successful, the new solar panels could be incorporated into electrical products, especially portable products such as cell phones and laptops

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They will be able to be partially recharged with the solar energy they generate, extending battery life by several hours even without a power source. Interim research is advancing most rapidly in this area of technology. While MIT does not believe that their new invention will be the savior of the global energy industry, however, the production of flexible, small, and efficient solar panels is a very important step forward in this field.