# Speedy Solar Panel Printers This Machine Makes 33 Feet of Printed Solar Cells A Minute By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2013-05-22 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-solar-cells References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/this-printer-spits-out-10-meters-of-solar-panel-every-m-508966042) & [vicosc.unimelb.edu.au](http://www.vicosc.unimelb.edu.au/) These [printed solar cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-energy-technology) are produced at an astonishingly fast rate of 33 feet per minute and could have huge implications for the future of solar-powered objects and architecture. The printer system developed by ‘VICOSC’ makes use of [printing capabilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centauri) that have been around for awhile. Dr. David Jones, project coordinator and researcher at the [University of Melbourne](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biohome3d) says, “We’re using the same techniques that you would use if you were screen printing an image on to a T-Shirt.” The photovoltaic cells are embedded into sheets of plastic or steel just like inks on a printed shirt. Although the technology itself is nothing new, the process is an innovative one that cuts down the production time and cost of solar panels. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Printed Solar Cells:** Using printing techniques to produce solar cells rapidly and efficiently. - **Fast Production:** Developing printing systems that can produce solar panels at a rate of 33 feet per minute. - **Cost-effective Technology:** Utilizing printing capabilities to reduce the production time and cost of solar panels. ### Where This Applies - **Renewable Energy:** Leveraging printed solar cells to advance the renewable energy industry. - **Manufacturing:** Implementing fast production techniques for the manufacturing of solar panels. - **Technology:** Integrating innovative printing processes into the technology industry to improve solar-powered objects and architecture. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md) - [Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-systems.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) - [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) - [Intelligent Ultra-Fast 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elegoo-fdm-neptune-4.md)