# Printable Solar Panels Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Center Unveils World's First Printed Solar Cell By Michael Hines | Published 2010-05-08 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-solar-cell References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/solar-cell-printed-on-paper/15009/) & [web.mit.edu](http://web.mit.edu/press/2010/eni-center.html) The development of a printed solar cell by the Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Center is an encouraging sign for [solar power](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-energy-technology) enthusiasts. Technology like this could change how we power our planet. Italian oil and gas company Eni and MIT have joined forces to research advanced solar technologies at the Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Center. While the printed solar cell isn't as effective as a [regular solar panel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grew-solar) at converting sunlight into energy, the fact that it was even created is a step in the right direction. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Printed-solar-technology:** The development of printed solar cells could revolutionize how we generate energy by making solar technology more accessible and affordable. - **Advanced-solar-research:** Collaborative research between established energy companies and academic institutions can drive innovation in the field of solar energy. - **Efficient-solar-conversions:** Continued research into improving the efficiency of printed solar cells could make them a more viable option for large-scale energy production. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable-energy:** The development of printed solar cells opens up opportunities for growth within the renewable energy industry. - **Oil-and-gas:** Oil and gas companies investing in advanced solar research are well positioned to lead the transition towards clean energy. - **Academic-research:** Academic institutions conducting research in solar energy can partner with industry to commercialize their findings and drive innovation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md) - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levante-origami-solar-panel.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sego-innovations.md) - [Colored Glass Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-solar-panels.md) - [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) - [Solar Panel Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tapestry.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md)