New Zealand peeps imitate plants to do solar on the cheap

Obviously, scientists didn't exactly originate the idea of harvesting energy from the sun when they started slapping together solar cells -- plants have been up on this whole photosynthesis mojo for a good long while. Now some researchers at Massey University in New Zealand have developed a range of synthetic dyes from organic compounds that closely mimic the light harvesting that goes on in nature. Other scientists have been pursuing similar solar techniques, but there's a major difficulty in getting the dyes to pass the energy on for actual use. After 10 years of research, the Massey scientists claim to have "the most efficient porphyrin dye in the world." Benefits of the dyes over traditional silicon-based solar panels include the ability to operate in low light, 10x cheaper production, and flexible application -- starting with canvassing roofs, walls and windows, but eventually moving on to wearable items that can charge your electronics stash. A working prototype for "real applications" should be ready in a couple years.

[Via The Raw Feed]

[az1324 @ Apr 6th 2007 4:28AM]

i got excited for a second when i read the title... it is almost easter.

[Mike @ Apr 6th 2007 7:50AM]

az1324: HA HA HA HA! Solar powered Peeps would rock! I'd plaster MY roof with 'em!

http://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/

[Gil @ Apr 6th 2007 4:32AM]

Nice idea but I'd like some cold hard data to go with all the talk. How efficient are they? What kind of power output should we be expecting. What's their lifetime?

[KC @ Apr 6th 2007 4:36AM]

Don't hold your breath for this one. ''A working prototype for "real applications" should be ready in a couple years''.

[Andrew @ Apr 6th 2007 6:14AM]

What's the efficiency compared to normal solar cells?

http://www.freevectors.com

[benjamin :? @ Apr 6th 2007 7:37AM]

geeze, were you guys this pessimistic when electricity was discovered ? its great news, another hit for the kiwi's.
a couple of years isnt that far away,, how long did it take telephones to develop into cell, how long did it take the internet to become what it is now, what about money,, places like england have only just got swipe(eftpos, switch, debit) cards in the last year or so, lok a the bright side, if its that much cheaper, you can afford to paint your whole house instead of a couple of ugly panels on the roof.
great news, another advancement in fuel efficiency
i only have 2 questions, will the market price be cheap, or only the manufacturing price, & is it biodegradable?

[Mat @ Apr 6th 2007 8:03AM]

Good going Massey Uni, mate. This'll show up those arrogant Auckland uni wankers!

[Phil @ Apr 6th 2007 8:21AM]

"places like england have only just got swipe(eftpos, switch, debit) cards in the last year or so"

I'm sorry, what on Earth are you talking about? I live in England and I've had a debit card which can be used at POS for over 10 years.

[benjamin :? @ Apr 6th 2007 11:26AM]

with a pin? or did ya have to sign for it?

[Rick Lyon @ Apr 6th 2007 8:46AM]

Nice. But a prototype in a few years? Then a few more for production and distribution? Damn. Maybe I can put in an order now so my grandkids can pick these up (when I have some)

[Rick Lyon @ Apr 6th 2007 8:49AM]

'It's been long noted that even the police don't dare venture into deep Queens Bridge neighborhoods, Big Yellow Cab, Company has set out to change that reality.'

[Rick Lyon @ Apr 6th 2007 8:54AM]

oops, wrong window.. sorry for the cross post mess up.

[kaybee @ Apr 6th 2007 10:46AM]

Don't bother posting it where I suspect you meant to either; it's not a funny caption.

[Rick Lyon @ Apr 6th 2007 10:55AM]

Too late.

[Moocow @ Apr 6th 2007 8:26PM]

I can confirm that NZ has no Peeps. I had to smuggle my own in through Biosecurity.

On topic, will the solar shirts look like Hypercolo(u)r shirts from the 80s? Because that would rule.