Welcome to the website of the Printable Photovoltaics Team at CSIRO Manufacturing in Clayton, Victoria

For more than 10 years we have been at the forefront of research into materials and processes suitable for the manufacture of printed photovoltaic (PV) films for use as low-cost solar panels with low embedded energy. We are developing the science and partnering with industry to create new opportunities for manufacturing in Australia.

Our research includes the development and fabrication of next-generation organic PV and perovskite PV. We focus on roll-to-roll printing methods using off-the-shelf equipment, enabling Australian companies to manufacture printed solar cells on an industrial scale without the use of expensive, highly specialised equipment.

Printed solar cells offer a complementary alternative to conventional solar cell technologies. Printed PV films are thin, lightweight, flexible, and can be semi-transparent, and so can be applied in many situations where bulky, heavy and opaque solar panels are unsuitable. For example, printed PV films can be laminated onto windows or other glazing, or incorporated into tents for recreational or emergency purposes. Printed PV films truly enable harvesting the sun’s energy from everywhere, for everyone!

At CSIRO, we conduct research at various technological readiness levels including large-scale projects with industry to support local manufacturing. See how you can do business with us to further your organisation’s goals and explore future opportunities.