Russian scientist made a breakthrough in the solar panels market

Russian scientist Dmitry Lopatin presented his latest invention to the public - a new type of solar cell, which attracted the attention of the world's leading oil companies. His startup is getting ready to enter the international market.

The main feature of the solar cell is that it does not contain conventional silicon. Instead, the battery’s structure involves some perovskite - the calcium titanium oxide. The inventor is promoting the project as more robust and cost-effective in comparison with those existing in the market.

India is the first country Lopatin plans to introduce his solar cell, since it has a state program to provide people with cheap energy. Next, he plans to enter the US and European markets. The project is almost ready for mass production. Currently, Lopatin finishes the industrial assembly of 3D-printers to be used for the production of batteries.

Lopatin is well known in Russia and abroad. His latest invention he unveiled at the Hello Tomorrow, an international summit of scientists and entrepreneurs. He is also one of the finalists of the generations of technology start-ups. Lopatin solar cells have already attracted the attention of the Royal Dutch Shell oil giant. As soon as his 3-D printer is ready, it can produce a 20 square meter of battery cells daily. It’s main advantage - the surface of the material.

Lopatin and his partner, Oleg Baronov invested some $ 20,000 of their own money in the project, another $ 30,000 coming from private investors. The launch of a full scale production requires from $ 300,000 to $ 400,000 in total. Lopatin plans to start selling his technology and equipment for the cells printing in 2016. Under his estimates, 30 or 40 square meters of the cell will cost from 2,000 to 3,000 euros. The payback period for the average European family will be 1-2 years.

Source: rbth.com/science_and_tech/