Due to its economic significance and environmental necessity, laser pointer researchers have focused on the energy sector. Although the prototype of 3D printing as early as the 1980s, modern 3D printing pioneers are catching up with the urgently needed energy opportunities presented by 3D technology. Companies are currently studying their useful energy applications and have found multiple ways to potentially reduce costs associated with power generation.
Solar energy is a particularly promising area, but currently it is expensive to install. A research team has developed a method for 3D printing solar cells, which has the potential to significantly reduce costs. The printing process is complicated because it relies on producing batteries and conductive layers that allow current to flow from the battery and into larger systems, but is still cheaper than traditional production.
The technology is not ready for deployment because these units are not as efficient as traditional versions, but are likely to be rolled out in the near future. Researchers have also found a way to print a circuit, which is required for all laser pointer electronics. This is a valuable development not only because it reduces production costs, but also because it allows higher accuracy.