3D Printed Solar Trees Provide Power

[Brian_Krassenstein]

Finnish researchers have used a novel combination of gravure and 3D printing processes to create ultra-lightweight "trees" which feature "leaves" capable of collecting solar energy and turning it into electric power. The team at the VTT Technical Research Centre in Finland say a forest of such trees could be used to power devices like mobile phones and LED lighting. The process includes a roll-to-roll manufacturing method in which images can be imprinted to create visual appeal. You can read the whole story here: http://3dprint.com/45558/finnish-3d-...d-solar-trees/


Below is a photo of the "leaves" on the 3D printed "tree":

[curious aardvark]

That's very clever.
If they can make them as efficient as standard panels, that could really work.