US researchers have developed an inexpensive process to produce solar panels, which could one day enable homeowners to reduce their energy bills and improve the green credentials of their property.

The process, developed at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), involves an inexpensive solar cell which can be painted or printed onto flexible plastic sheets.

Dr Somenath Mitra, professor and acting chair of NJIT's department of chemistry and environmental sciences, said that the process was simple.

"Some day homeowners will even be able to print sheets of these solar cells with inexpensive home-based inkjet printers. Consumers can then slap the finished product on a wall, roof or billboard to create their own power stations," the researcher revealed.

The team are expecting a significant amount of interest in their work.

"Imagine some day driving in your hybrid car with a solar panel painted on the roof, which is producing electricity to drive the engine. The opportunities are endless," said Dr Mitra.

It may be many years before homeowners can print off their own solar panels, but it is already possible to significantly reduce energy bills by installing double glazing and other forms of insulation.

Click here for a selection of double glazed windows and doors from Safestyle.

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Author:  Joanne McCabe

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