G24i, a pioneer of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC), announced the first ever commercial shipment of DSSC photovoltaic modules to Hong Kong-based consumer electronics bag manufacturer, Mascotte Industrial Associates.

Inventor of the DSSC technology is Professor Michael Graetzel, at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne from which G24i acquired the  unlimited worldwide distribution rights, which includes all current and forward intellectual property in 2006.

In the past three years, G24i further developed the DSSC technology  together with a low-cost, roll-to-roll manufacturing process which can support a range of diverse applications.

The advantage of DSSC over other types of solar cells is the low production cost and high durability of the dye which can be applied on almost any surface , in this case on thin, flexible plastic foil.

The DSSC cells will harvest energy while used outdoors as well as in low light conditions indoors, another advantage of the G24i DSSC technology which makes it a good fit for the use on bags or other protective covers which then can be used to recharge mobile electronic devices such as cell phones, e-books, cameras or MP3 player.

Mascotte shows various styles of bags with integrated DSSC panels at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair on Oct 14. and expects first commercial designs to be available to consumers from Concord Keystone and Scratch Tracks by December 2009.

source: Reuters