MIT researchers have developed a new way of capturing sunlight. The method relies on advanced organic dyes to concentrate light, reducing the overall costs dramatically. The technology does not rely on complicated, mechanical optics to focus light, but instead use organic dyes covering a glass surface. The dyes capture light and re-emit it through the glass towards the edges, where thin strips of traditional solar cells turn the light into electricity.

The idea is not new, but the challenge was posed by the fact that organic dyes indeed captured very well sunlight, but they emitted it on the same wavelength which meant much of it would get reabsorbed again. The new MIT stuff overcame this obstacle by producing dyes which change the wavelength of the radiation, emitting on a frequency which is not within its spectrum of absorption.

The team was led by Marc Baldo, a professor of electrical engineering at MIT, and their results will appear in this week's issue of Science. The researchers allege that the new technology will bring down the cost of solar power to levels comparable with the coal power. They founded a company, Covalent Solar, based in Cambridge, MA, whose aim is to bring the technology to market within three years.

A patent filing published in March reveals that Apple is researching solar power for its mobile devices. The Mac maker is seeking new ways of extending battery life by capturing solar energy through photovoltaic cells embedded in gadgets. Apple is pondering the insertion of solar cells into the display (actually behind it). It remains to be seen whether the idea will ever be used in mass produced iPods, iPhones or Mac laptops.

The new technology developed at MIT could also benefit such gadgets, by enabling the painting of the display with the innovative dyes and having side solar cells to capture the energy. The fact is, if it proves viable, the organic dye solar cells could be implemented into thousands of applications.

Another application would be hybrid or electric cars. Toyota will allegedly be the first car manufacturer to include solar panels in a mass produced car, as it is preparing to outfit its high-end Prius hybrid car with a solar panel roof. The solar panels will be fit on top the third-generation Prius to be unveiled in 2009. Others might follow soon after.