Some good news about energy for a change.

Global Photonic Energy Corporation recently announced the development of an organic photovoltaic cell based on carbon rather than silicon, allowing the cells to be produced at a much lower cost. The organic cells are ultra-thin and flexible and can be applied to large, curved or spherical surfaces. Because the layers are so thin, transparent solar cells can be applied to windows creating power-generating glass that retains its basic functionality.

Now the company’s research partners at Princeton University and the University of Southern California have developed an organic cell that can generate electricity from the near infrared range of the solar spectrum allowing them to make electricity even at night. This is a major breakthrough in solar cell technology.

This type of technology is Green in more than one way; not only does it produce power without pollution, but it very literally will give power to the people. Our economic system, especially the power sector, is heavily dependent on large centralized structures. Decisions that affect the way we all live are made by an unelected few. Renewable energy sources such as solar and small scale wind generators allow people to get off the grid and out of the grip of some of these major corporations.

There is great potential here.