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Printing trials of flexible lightweight solar cells, which are almost as thin as paper, have begun, thanks to a $6 million Brumby Government grant.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to change the state’s energy mix by funding projects that will deliver renewable energy to Victorians,” Mr Batchelor said.

“These film-like solar cells are cutting-edge technology and offer advantages over traditional solar technology because of the potential to mass produce the cells cheaply and install them over large areas.

“The production of these solar cells requires printing technology similar to that used for printing money.

“The lightweight and flexibility of the plastic cells mean they can not only be attached to roofs, but also walls and windows, allowing for greater opportunities to harness solar energy.

“The technology used for these cells is still in its infancy, but this project aims to speed up the development of this technology and take it from research to rooftops as quickly as possible.”

Mr Batchelor said researchers had collaborated with Victorian-based banknote printing company Securency International to use their printing expertise and conduct the printing trials at their Craigieburn printing presses.

“This type of technology development by local researchers will also make sure Victoria is a leader in sustainable energy research,” he said.

Mr Batchelor said the project was at the half-way point and the progress being was encouraging with printing trials six months ahead of schedule.

“Solar technology has tremendous potential to provide carbon-neutral energy and the development of potential low-cost solar alternatives such as these solar cells is vital to ensure homes and businesses can receive clean and affordable energy in the future,” he said.

The solar cells are being developed through a three-year, $12 million project being run by the Victorian Organic Solar Cell Consortium. The Brumby Government provided $6 million to the project through an Energy Technology Innovation Strategy (ETIS) Sustainable Energy Research and Development grant.

The consortium includes researchers from the University of Melbourne, Monash University, the CSIRO and industry partners, Securency International, BP Solar, Bluescope Steel and Merck.

“The project partners have strong international links with Imperial College, Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology and Singapore Agency for Science Technology and Research.

“This is helping to put Victoria at the forefront of solar technology development and it is a great example of the work being done to expand Victoria’s sustainable energy technology strengths.”

Mr Batchelor said the solar cells project built on a range of work being done by the Brumby Government to increase both industrial and residential take-up of solar technology in Victoria.

“This project builds on projects such as the grant of up to $50 million provided for the Solar Systems power station near Mildura and the Victorian Renewable Energy Target.”

Submitted by: Peter Batchelor MP www.premier.vic.gov.au