Flexible, film-like photovoltaic cells

"... The solar cells, coated with a common ingredient used in toothpaste and suntan lotion, will be four to five times cheaper than silicon. Manufactured with a process similar to inject printing, the cells will be able to produce electricity from direct sunlight as well as low-light and indoor lighting. ..."

"... The so-called "dye-sensitized solar cells," also known as Grätzel cells, convert sunlight into energy similar to how leaves and plants do it through photosynthesis.
...
Instead of chlorophyll, the Grätzel cells use titanium oxide to absorb the sunlight. The material is coated onto one of two conducting electrode layers, similar to foil. A gel-like electrolyte material is sandwiched between the two layers.
..."


Brilliant: now I know what I want to paint my house's facade, next time around! :D

More links:

• Technology review
  
• Konarka
  
• Nanosolar