New Peel-and-Stick Solar Cells Can Power Anything

You usually see solar cells on houses and buildings; those aren't the only things they can power, obviously, but they're too rigid to be adaptable enough to put most other places. Finally, though, Stanford researchers have invented the flexible photovaltaics that peel and stick like decals. Can you say solar-powered business card?



So what does this mean in practical terms? You could theoretically use adhesive solar cells to power pretty much anything: cellphones, portable gadgets, watches, smart clothing, homes, etc. And there's potential that flexy photovaltaics could facilitate the creation of new products we've never even heard of. And you thought sticker tech peaked at scratch-n-sniff. []

Image credit: Chi Hwan Lee, Stanford School of Engineering