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.