Researchers from the University of Newcastle in Australia have found a way to print solar tiles cheaper and faster than traditional methods, which could be a game changer in the renewable energy industry.

Although solar panels continue to become increasingly inexpensive and many large-scale energy producers are shifting towards solar power, there is still a pervasive lack of adoption by homeowners.

For many homeowners considering switching to solar, price is still a major stumbling block. But things may be about to change thanks to a new variety of solar tile developed by researchers from the University of Newcastle in Australia.

Instead of the photovoltaics (PVs) that traditional panels use, UON’s team of researchers are printing solar tiles on plastic film that’s less than 0.1 of a millimeter thick, and testing its durability in real weather conditions.

Once performance and durability of the printable tiles are confirmed, they could go into market production immediately. The team is excited about the potential these printed tiles have in influencing the wide-scale adoption of PVs, especially for homes.

Solar energy is currently a major leading renewable energy source that’s not just environmentally friendly — generating energy without carbon byproducts that contribute to climate change —  it can also produce more energy than fossil fuels.

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