Plextronics Inc. of Pittsburgh has received a $1 million award from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority in Harrisburg to develop Plexcore PV, an active layer p-type semiconductor that will be used to “print” solar cells. The technology has the potential to make solar power more affordable and accessible. Solar cells based on it can be lightweight and flexible and will be used initially for powering mobile electronics and for providing “off-grid” power.

Plextronics will use the award to improve solar cell performance, focusing on increasing the devices’ efficiency and lifetime. The allotment, in a grant/loan combination, is the company’s second award from the authority.