Konarka wins $4.7M to help build solar-power windows (Mass.)

[jpak]

http://www.bizjournals.com/masshightech/stories/2007/10/08/daily17.html

Konarka Technologies Inc. has been selected by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to cooperatively conduct research and development on transparent, flexible solar modules for windows and other building-related applications.

The Lowell-based maker of photovoltaic materials reports the contract is valued at $4.7 million. It was awarded by the federal institute's Advanced Technology Program, and is expected to be executed in partnership with Air Products and Chemicals Inc. of Pennsylvania, according to Konarka.

The deal supports Konarka's development of its transparent, metallic grid electrode technology for the new solar cell and module structure. Air Products is expected to focus on the development of more efficient organic photovoltaic cells to improve overall cell electrical performance.

The technology is being designed for use in windows capable of not only generating electricity but also controlling transparency for privacy, and regulating the wavelength of light for energy conservation and aesthetics. Since the materials are capable of harvesting indoor and outdoor light, the solar modules can be integrated into building sensors, battery chargers, lighting and displays, and wireless security monitoring systems.

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[GreenPartyVoter]

1. This is pretty wow

[Greyskye]

2. sweet

Sounds like it's straight out of some science fiction story I read years ago. :thumbsup: