PV Systems on Paper?

MIT has recently developed a way to use solar cells on printable paper. The technology isn’t as efficient as photovoltaic systems currently are, using only about 1.5 to 2% of the sun’s energy for power while today’s bulkier silicon technology can harvest up to 20% of the sun’s energy, but the potential for the future is exciting.

Printable paper could become a source of energy, and the application of these micro thin cells could eventually be transmitted by a printer or even a staple gun.

Experts estimate that even if .3% of the U.S. had photovoltaics functioning at 10% efficiency, it would produce more than three times the amount of energy necessary for the entire country. While printable paper micro film technology is likely about a decade away from going commercial, the possibilities are astounding.

Imagine a custom paper size fit like wallpaper on the side of a house, able in one sunny day to produce and store enough energy for an entire year. Gas heating would become a technology of yesteryear as the only payment for energy would be a one time installation fee. With the help of paper, one of the more common technologies in society, we can make energy saving a feasible and valuable priority.

What Your Paper Says About You

Printable paper goes quickly. You may be surprised if you’ve been printing at all, because it seems that as soon as you refill your paper try, why, in just a few short weeks, it’s empty!

It’s also important to recognize that the type of paper used can say a lot about what is printed on it. Especially if you are submitting more formal documents, like resumes, a heavyweight paper can make a big difference as to whether you’re called back for a second interview. The kind of paper you print on is a lot like the kind of clothes you wear.

If you are printing out brochures or annual reports, you probably want a heavyweight paper. This will give the people who are viewing your document a sense of weight – literally and figuratively. It’s easy to disregard a document, even if the content on it is important, if the paper is light and flimsy. You figure it’s ready to be recycled. But if you hold a sheet of heavyweight paper in your hands, you know that this paper means business. Whoever took the time to print on it had something important to say, and didn’t skimp to say it.

A Flower Craft For Spring

Spring has arrived and with it, the need for fun and creativity. Here is an idea for a craft that you can make with your kids: the Tissue Paper Vase.

You need: a juice jar, paper mache paste (a 1:5 ration of flower to water, boiled for 3 minutes then left to cool) strips of white printable paper, and coloring items

Cover the jar in paper mache paste, and place three layers of paper over it. It takes about a day for the paper mache to dry, but after that you can decorate the bottle any way you want. Adding strips of heavyweight paper is a great idea, or you can color on the sides to match your flower.

For the flower, you need tissue paper or colored printable paper, straw, a cotton ball, scissors and some tape. Cut a 2” by 2” square of paper and place some cotton in the middle. Use a straw and wrap the paper with cotton around it. Put about 5 petals on around the straw and add maybe 3 or 4 layers of petals, or until the flower looks full and healthy.

There you have it, a beautiful flower vase, with a flower that won’t die. You can even spray some perfume on it, so it smells pretty.

Print Your Own Wedding Invitations

 Spring and summer are two of the most popular seasons for weddings. If you are getting married, you should consider printing your own invitations on heavyweight paper. Wedding invitations are an incredibly important part of the wedding process, so it’s understandable that you want them looking their best. In the past, many people were turned off to printing important documents like wedding invitations at home because of the quality.

Well over the years, home printers have really come a long way in terms of quality. Since many printers on the market today are designed to be able to print out flawless digital photos. Simple text projects that were once left-up to the professionals to do like resumes, business cards, and invitations, are now able to be printed from home without the home-made look. 

There are tons of varieties of printable paper to choose from, and when you purchase from limited papers, you can choose a custom paper size. This makes the printing process for invitations so easy. No more cutting out sheets and worrying about crooked edges! The best part about printing from home, is you have total control of the entire process. Conception, design, layout: you have the freedom to make any changes, and see what everything looks like before you finalize.

Celebrate Earth Day and Buy Recycled Printable Paper

Earth Day is this week and what better way to do a good deed for Mother Nature than to purchase and use some recycled printable paper. If this sounds like something you’re interested in doing, you are probably wondering what to look for in recycled printable paper or wondering what constitutes as recycled printable paper.

In order to ensure that the heavyweight paper you’re purchasing is truly recycled, you need to make sure that it is FSC and/or SFI certified. FSC stands for the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forest Initiative. These organizations ensure that the recycled printable paper products you purchase are of the highest quality, and are produced in line with the environmental protection guidelines.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative was started in 1992 in response to the Earth Summit in Rio by loggers, foresters, environmentalists, and sociologists, who were interested in banding together and working out cohesive 10 point program that lists their ecological and social responsibilities. The Sustainable Forest Initiative is an independent non-profit organization. All SFI products are made with fiber that has come from legal sources that meet the stringent requirements for forestry management.

Paper Choice for Resumes is Important

With the job market so tight these days, Resume presentation is of utmost importance. Obviously, content is one of the more crucial aspects to a successful resume, but even the most impressive lists of past experiences and accolades seems forgettable when they are presented in a dull, unattractive, and disorganized manner.

If you’ve been applying to jobs and have been invited for an interview, congratulations! There was obviously something the potential employer liked from your cover letter or inquiry, so you need to highlight those attribute and present yourself in the most professional way possible.

This means printing out your wonderful resume on heavyweight paper or custom stock sheets. Paper choice really adds a polished touch to your overall ambience, so be sure to use heavy paper. If you have a stack of resumes on your desk that all look alike, the one on the nice paper is probably going to stick out and leave a positive imprint on the interviewers mind.

A key thing to remember on the day of the interview is to bring a hard copy of your resume, even if you sent one out via email. The potential employer will see your professional resume on heavyweight paper and know that you mean business.

Printable Paper Terms Defined

Like most things, the world of printable paper has its own glossary of technical jargon. Paper, although it seems simple and straightforward is a complex thing. You may have encountered a few of these words when shopping for paper at the office supply store and was left scratching your head.

Grain Direction- The direction in which paper fibers lie; a factor to consider for achieving the best results in printing, folding, and converting.

Finish- A paper’s surface characteristics like smoothness, appearance and gloss.

Laser paper- Manufactured in cut sizes, very smooth and low in moisture to prevent curling in high-heat situations.

Linen Finish- A woven-like textured effect by embossed a web of paper with a patterned steel-roll.

Opacity-A paper’s ability to prevent light transmission. The more opaque a paper is the less you can see through it.

Laid Finish-A linear pattern applied by a dandy roll while the paper is still very wet to mimic the look of hand-made paper.

Cockle Finish-A rough, uneven, hard paper finish. Most frequently manufactured in bond papers.
For the best selection of printable paper, including custom stock sheets, turn to Limited Paper.