Amid growing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and global warming, solar power is the fastest-growing renewable energy source.
New products are helping to support solar, including battery-backed residential and commercial solar-plus-storage systems, which can provide backup energy during power outages; racking solutions that maximize energy production; and inverters that improve PV module performance.
1. Photovoltaic Paint
Solar panel technology has been the lifeblood of the solar energy industry for years now, and it is able to provide homes with clean energy that reduces their environmental impact and saves them money on electricity bills. However, it’s not perfect and the process of installing and maintaining solar panels can be a hassle. This is where the new solar paint comes in – a revolutionary paint that can generate energy on its own by simply being applied to any surface.
The solar paint created by researchers at RMIT in Australia consists of a compound called synthetic molybdenum-sulfide that absorbs both sunlight and moisture from the air, splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. This can be used to power a home, car or any other device that needs electricity. In addition, it can be used to cover surfaces that would otherwise not receive enough sunlight to be able to support solar panels, transforming walls, fences, sheds and doghouses into energy-producing real estate.
The research team behind this solar paint has been working on the technology for the past five years, and they are close to making it commercially viable. It is still less efficient than conventional silicon-based solar cells and will need to reach 10 percent efficiency before it can be sold as a product, but researchers believe that this will happen soon.
2. Solar Skins
Sistine Solar has developed a printable skin for solar panels that camouflages them on a roof to blend in, rather than standing out like a sore thumb. The skin is made from a flexible material that can support a range of colors and patterns. This allows homeowners to customize their solar energy system and fit it into their home’s architecture without compromising on efficiency or durability.
The skin is also designed to reduce the risk of fire, which is a significant concern when it comes to using solar power on residential buildings and property. It uses flame retardants that can withstand high temperatures, and is coated with an anti-flammable film to prevent the spread of fire.
Researchers at Australia’s University of New South Wales (UNSW) have a similar approach with their Solar Skin project. They’ve received funding from the Australian government’s Cooperative Research Centres Projects program to develop solar coatings that can be applied to surfaces such as walls and roofs. The solar coatings will incorporate perovskite technology, which is a lightweight and flexible light-harvesting material that’s capable of producing more electricity than older silicon solar cells.
The coatings will use a multi-zone design that maximizes power generation by connecting multiple solar zones with an internal power control board. Each zone is equipped with 300W solar cells, while the internal PCBs and wires are not visible from the ground. This makes it possible for building owners to choose a combination of solar zones that match their energy needs and budget, with the added benefit of lowering their carbon footprint.
3. Wearable Solar Devices
Incorporating solar energy systems into building materials that adapt, respond, and regenerate has the potential to transform the future of sustainable architecture. In particular, building facades that automatically adapt to sunlight by adjusting transparency or shading properties could maximize energy generation and efficiency while pushing the boundaries of design. Meanwhile, pioneering flexible solar textiles allow architects to incorporate power-generating components into their designs.
These textiles are woven with photovoltaic cells that harvest solar energy from the sun and turn it into electricity for use in electronics, such as portable devices like smartphones and fitness trackers. The fabric can also be used in commercial awnings and tents, and is already being used at music festivals to provide much of the energy needed for stage lighting and other amenities.
Solar-powered wearables are more convenient and versatile than traditional power-consuming models, allowing users to engage in activities without worrying about their battery life. In addition, the increasing demand for fitness trackers and other portable electronic devices due to health concerns has been a major factor driving the market growth of wearables that leverage solar energy. Furthermore, stringent government regulations regarding carbon emissions and favourable government incentive schemes are also propelling the market growth of this technology. On the other hand, high costs act as a key restraint for this industry.
4. Photovoltaic Tiles
The latest developments in solar-responsive building materials come in the form of photovoltaic tiles, which look much more like traditional roof tile or slate. They can be integrated during construction and are perfect for those who want to generate energy without changing the look of their property. They can also be used to hide PV modules in areas of the home where they might not be appropriate, such as in a wall or patio, making them a great option for listed buildings or those living in conservation and historical areas (where alterations aren’t usually allowed).
Solar tiles work much the same way as regular solar panels but are built into your roof, rather than being fitted afterwards. They are available in different design options that mimic the appearance of slate stone or ceramic tiles, so they can go completely unnoticed and blend in with your existing roof. Unlike conventional solar panels, you won’t usually need planning permission for solar tiles as they are considered a ‘permitted development’ – but it is best to check with your local authority before proceeding.
Both the MWT and VOLT systems integrate a high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cell into every single tile/shingle. This makes them more energy-efficient than other traditional solar PV systems as they require less surface area for the same power output.