Unfortunately, current solar-cell technologies are too expensive and inefficient for wide-scale commercial applications, most experts agree.

A team of Northwestern University researchers says it has developed a anode coating that significantly enhances the efficiency of solar-energy conversion. Anodes are electrodes through which current flows into a polarized electrical device.

The process also involves fabricating solar cells from plastic-like organic materials - similar to the roll-to-roll method used to print newspapers.

The technology promises to bring researchers and developers worldwide closer to producing cheaper and more easily produced solar cells, according to the team.

It said such technology would also reduce dependence on fossil fuels for electricity production - as well as lower carbon dioxide - a global greenhouse gas.