EN 
PT_BR 
After ten years of research, the CSEM Brasil Institute – a private, non-profit applied research center – located in Belo Horizonte (MG) developed an organic photovoltaic panel.
With a low carbon footprint and very low cost potential, the equipment was developed for integration into buildings as it is highly flexible, light, transparent and available in different colors.
The panel is made of a plastic film that is printed with carbon-based inks and can transform the energy of sunlight into electrical energy.
The aim of the project was not to create something to compete in the market with existing photovoltaic modules, but rather to apply solar panels in different situations, such as building facades, roofs, vehicles and cell phone cases.
According to the institute, the production of organic photovoltaic panels is relatively simple. “Press similar to those used for newspapers print five layers of ink on the plastic film, with two intermediate layers responsible for the creation of electrons, one on top to conduct positive charges, a lower one that carries negative charges, and a metallic terminal that closes the circuit” , explains the institute.
Throughout the project, scientists discovered that blue light radiation interfered with the final quality of the printed material. Because of the sensitivity of the material, the laboratory lighting is done with these special yellow lights.
Still according to the institute, when compared to traditional silicon photovoltaic panels on the market, there are many differences. The new panel is light, flexible, relatively transparent, easy to apply to different surfaces, produced only with organic materials and, consequently, more sustainable.
