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Plextronics: Green Energy
Contact: Lori Lecker, +1 412.423.2030 extension 111, llecker@plextronics.com, www.plextronics.com
Plextronics Develops Conductive Inks, Representing the Next Generation in Solar Power and Lighting, Enabling Broad Applications of Green Energy
Synopsis
An international, renewable energy company, Plextronics' technology allows companies worldwide to print solar cells and energy efficient lighting, making the technology light weight, low-cost and flexible. The company recently collaborated with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop flexible printed electronics for the military, and its solar technology won major industry recognition when it was chosen by IDTechEx as the winner of its 2008 Technical Development Materials Award. Plextronics specializes in printed electronics. According to industry analyst IDTechEx, the printed electronics market in 2008 was $1.6 billion – that same market is expected to exceed $300 billion by 2028.
Overview
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., Plextronics' primary products are conductive and semi-conductive inks that can be used to print electronic devices such as solar cells and organic light emitting diodes (OLED) for energy-efficient lighting. The company has made significant advancements since it was formed as a spin-out of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh in 2002. In terms of jobs, its employee base has grown from four to nearly 70, and half of those employees relocated to Pittsburgh specifically to work at Plextronics.
Organic Solar Power
Specific to Plextronics' solar program, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu has indicated that one of his goals is solar technology that is five times cheaper than existing technology. Organic photovoltaics (OPV), one of Plextronics' specialties, might just be the answer. In recent decades, the power generation industry has experienced new renewable energy options, but the high cost of these technologies has made them uncompetitive. At a small fraction of the cost of other technologies, OPV can play a critical role in addressing the world's ever-expanding energy needs.
Organic Lighting
For both lighting and flat panel display applications, Plextronics' OLED technology can play a significant role in improving existing technology. OLED lighting promises lower cost and better quality compared to even the most efficient compact fluorescents. For displays, OLED allows for thinner, brighter and more energy efficient displays that are less expensive than their LCD counterparts.
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ENVIRONMENTAL RENAISSANCE »
A view of the David Lawrence Convention Center
Green Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is leading the way in green initiatives. With green buildings located throughout the city and the nation’s first green convention center, we’re rethinking the cityscape and uncovering new ways to keep it green.
