“iPad covers, laptop bags, skins of iPhone—not just for casing electronics but to collect some energy as well and power those electronics,” CSIRO’s senior research scientist Dr. Fiona Scholes told ABC News.

“It’s very cheap. The way in which it looks and works is quite different to conventional silicon rooftop solar,” said Scholes.

Any plastic surface could be converted into a solar panel, making it ideal for powering up houses and even skyscrapers. Hooking up these solar panels is as easy as connecting a battery.

“We are confident we can push the technology further in the years to come,” said Scholes.