# Toothpaste Solar Technology Oxford Photovoltaics Project Creates Organic and Nontoxic Solar Cells By Jordan M | Published 2011-02-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oxford-photovoltaics-project References: [greenoptimistic](http://www.greenoptimistic.com/2011/02/03/toothpaste-oxide-solar-cell) & [physics.ox.ac.uk](http://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/snaith/) The [Oxford Photovoltaics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allelectric-stadium) project recently revealed its dye-printed cells, which are made using low-cost, plentiful and nontoxic materials, including a metal oxide found in [common toothpaste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whiten-toothpaste). The cells produced by the Oxford Photovoltaics project do not require rare metals or toxic materials and are 50 percent cheaper to produce than the current most cost-effective solar technology out there. Because the thin dye can be printed on nearly any surface (including glass) in several colors, [solar architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tower-1) could incorporate colorful windows instead of solar panels. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Dye-printed Solar Cells:** The trend of dye-printed solar cells using low-cost and nontoxic materials opens up opportunities for affordable and sustainable solar power. - **Metal Oxide Technology:** The trend of utilizing metal oxide found in common toothpaste for solar cells presents disruptive innovation opportunities for eco-friendly and accessible renewable energy. - **Solar Architecture:** The trend of incorporating colorful windows instead of solar panels expands the possibilities for aesthetic and functional solar integration in building design. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can benefit from the disruptive innovation opportunities presented by dye-printed solar cells and metal oxide technology. - **Materials Science:** The materials science industry can explore the potential of using common metal oxides for various applications, such as solar cell production. - **Architecture and Construction:** The architecture and construction industry can leverage the trend of solar architecture to create energy-efficient and visually appealing buildings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lunar Material-Based Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-dust.md) - [Ultra-Thin Solar Panel Coatings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-2.md) - [Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cell.md) - [Solar Titanium Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soladey3.md) - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md) - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-systems.md) - [Colored Glass Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-solar-panels.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md)