MIT researcher, Andreas Mershin, has developed a method for generating solar panels on-the-fly from grass clippings by isolating and extracting the photosynthesizing molecules, called photosystem I, which contain chlorophyll—a protein that converts photons into a flow of electrons.

Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have discovered a manufacturing technique using an optical furnace to create more efficient photovoltaic cells. Using an intense light in lieu of a conventional furnace results in a 50% energy savings in manufacturing the cells.