PhlexCell Sdn Bhd from NanoMalaysia Group of Companies and Universiti Teknologi Petronas, have successful developed bendable solar panels called the Flexible Dye-Sensitised Solar Cell (Flexible DSSC), which can completely change the way we approach solar energy usage.
NanoMalaysia Berhad CEO, Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad, spoke on the project’s completion, stating, “Bendable solar panel provides isolated energy versatility and independence for electronic devise thus the exponential growth projected in the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart sensor markets underscores the immense potential for our Flexible DSSC. With IoT devices set to triple by 2023 and the global IoT market forecasted to reach a staggering US$ 1.6 trillion by 2025, our technology stands ready to transform energy solutions within these rapidly growing sectors.”
“As we witness a rapid shift towards renewable energy, the commercial landscape for dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) is ripe with opportunity. With a projected CAGR of 12.4% from 2020 to 2027 and Malaysia’s solar energy capacity expected to more than double by 2026, our Flexible DSSCs are positioned at the forefront of this transformative journey. The cost-effectiveness and impressive performance metrics of DSSCs are primed to catalyse significant demand, effectively addressing the essential requirements of economic affordability, energy reliability, and environmental preservation. The very nature of DSSCs to absorb a wider spectrum range including indoor lightings coupled with physical flexibility opens up a multitude potential of industrial and user applications”.
There is a large market for flexible DSSCs in both the public and commercial sectors. For consumers, it is a leap toward energy independence, driving technological progress in everyday devices. Meanwhile, for businesses, embracing Flexible DSSC technology can lead to reduced operational costs and adherence to sustainability objectives, ultimately positioning them as leaders in innovation.
The Flexible DSSCs with sufficient light-to-electricity efficiency have a wide range of applications, powering communication devices like LoRA backscatter, RFID, passive Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), as well as personal and household gadgets such as wristwatches, small calculators, digital thermometers, smoke detectors, and wall clocks.
The Flexible DSSC aims to demonstrate the viability and efficiency of harnessing solar energy in diverse settings, promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources as an alternative to conventional silicon-based solar panels, which only work well under direct sunlight settings. Its flexibility enables seamless integration into various indoor applications, contributing to the advancement of green technologies.
Introducing Flexible DSSCs under Phlexcell Sdn Bhd marks a pivotal moment in Malaysia’s journey towards sustainable energy solutions and creating new business and job opportunities via the development of relevant domestic value and supply chains. This is evidenced by entirely different yet recyclable raw materials as a by-product of existing industry and new processing techniques required for industrial-scale manufacturing. With its potential to drive economic growth, enhance energy security, and mitigate environmental impact, this technology represents a significant step forward in achieving national and international goals for a cleaner, greener future.
