The expert says that the molecules plants use to conduct photosynthesis could be removed from plant wastes via a relatively simple process, then stabilized using the peptide powder his team is currently working on developing.
The gooey mixture will then be placed on a sheet of metal, a piece of glass or other ordinary material. Attaching a couple of wires to the substrate would complete the DIY solar panels. If this approach succeeds, the costs associated with building your own power supplies would be negligible.
Above is the video the MIT News Office compiled of the researcher explaining his technique in more detail. I do hope this works, since renewable energy would help alleviate a host of problems, especially in the developing and Third worlds.