Solar panels are common sight on the roofs. But time is not far when the tiny solar cells will find the most unusual places.

John A. Rogers, professor of material science from University of Illinois has developed a new technology which allows solar cells to be printed on a variety of materials.

They are created ultrathin, translucent cells that are “printed” on plastic coils or directly on fabrics that can be used in various situations – on the windows that generate electricity, curtains or clothes.

Technology has licensed the company Semprius from Durham, NC, and expects the first models ready to be available in early 2010.

Thin layer solar cells already printed on semiconductor surfaces, and then were transferred to other flexible materials.

In material: еcofriend.org