Thin film photovoltaic panels which are currently charging small devices, cell phones and other green gadgets – may soon be applied to the windows of your home, the roof of your car or integrated into the skin of your iPhone to keep your carbon footprint small and your energy independence quotient high.  A little company called Konarka Technologies has been developing thin film photovoltaic products since 2001.

Konarka has developed its Power Plastic product – a thin film photovoltaic material that captures both indoor and outdoor light and converts it into direct current (DC) electrical energy – to create mainstream consumer applications for everyday use.

The energy captured by the Power Plastic product can be used immediately, stored for later use, or converted to other forms.  Power Plastic can be applied to a wide variety of potential applications – from microelectronics to portable power (like backpacks or solar chargers), remote power (off-grid) and for use in green building applications like solar windows, solar roofing and home siding products.  The product can be manufactured into the skin or body of a product, or applied to an existing surface like windows.  Konarko is partnering with Arch Aluminum & Glass to develop transparent and opaque Power Plastic panels to be integrated into windows and curtain walls.