Inkjet tech could be solution to low-cost solar panels

The World Solar Challenge is due to take place between Darwin and Adelaide on 16-23 October, with the Dutch team supported by digital manufacturer Océ.

The vendor, headquartered in the Netherlands, is investigating how inkjet technology could be used in solar cell production.

Anton Schaaf, member of the Océ board, said: "For Océ, innovation has been essential for the entire life of the company. We have a strong interest in innovation in solar technology as we believe that our printing technology can play a very important role in that area."

Océ is one of 150 Dutch companies who have helped bring the 4.3-metre solar-powered car, the 21Connect, to Australia for the race.

The printing process works by using solar cell material in place of ink, jetted onto a flexible substrate.

According to Océ: "The process creates solar cells that can be competitive with current silicon ones, but the inkjet cells are much cheaper to produce, lowering production costs."

The initiative is part of Océ's 'PrintValley consortium', a group of technology companies and institutes that are working to develop new digital printing applications.