# Overcast-Thriving Solar Panels National Physical Laboratory Present Cells That Require Less Light By Jamie Danielle Munro | Published 2014-03-20 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-physical-laboratory References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2014/03/solar-panel-shade-energy.html) & [npl](http://www.npl.co.uk/) Scientists from the National Physical Laboratory have come up with [solar cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/govee-outdoor-solar-string-lights) that actually do best when not placed in direct sunlight. The designs can also be 3D printed into a variety of shapes and sizes, making them easy to multiply when needed. The name for this type of technology is called "[organic photovoltaic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-system1)," and when attracting light that's more diffused the device is able to process this information better into solar energy. Considering that no place in the world has constant access to direct sunlight at all times, knowing that this device requires less rays is reassuring. The real test for the Organic National Physical Laboratory will be when they can generate power from the moon to keep things running all year long. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Organic Photovoltaics:** The development of organic photovoltaic cells that thrive in less direct sunlight presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the renewable energy industry to increase energy efficiency and lower costs. - **3D Printing of Solar Panels:** The ability to 3D print solar panels into various shapes and sizes provides a new method of production that can disrupt the traditional, rigid design of solar cells and allow for more efficient use of space. - **Diffused Light Solar Energy:** The focus on diffused light solar energy enables the creation of solar cells that can function in varying levels of sunlight, making this type of technology applicable in different locations and environments. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can benefit from the development of organic photovoltaics that require less direct sunlight and 3D printing technology that allows for more flexible solar panels and reduces costs. - **Architecture and Urban Planning:** The architecture and urban planning industry can utilize the ability to 3D print solar panels into various shapes and sizes to incorporate solar cells into building facades, creating new possibilities for integrating renewable energy technology into urban designs. - **Space Industry:** The ability to generate power from the moon using the Organic National Physical Laboratory's technology can disrupt the space industry by providing a new method of powering spacecrafts and space infrastructure. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Lunar Material-Based Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-dust.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levante-origami-solar-panel.md) - [Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cell.md) - [Sunlight-Mimicking Panelled Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunne-lamp.md) - [Ultra-Thin Solar Panel Coatings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-2.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-systems.md) - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md)