Sunday 24 October 2010
So how does this solar film solution work? Instead of using silicon based solar cells used in the familiar solar panels, the spray-on solar film consists of metal nanoparticles embedded within a transparent composite matrix, and is thus using nanotechnology. Windows coated with this spray will have a slight tint, after all some of the light has to be absorbed although most of the light will still be let through, whereas walls (and roofs) would have a thicker solution applied that can absorb much more of the sunlight.
Experts estimate that spray-on solar films will be 5 times more efficient compared to standard solar panels, and also a lot cheaper which makes having solar panels on every building viable sooner. The University of Leicester and EnSol are aiming to get the solar cells within the solar film solution to achieve at least a 20% efficiency or higher (which means the energy extracted from solar radiation is 100W/m2 or higher) as part of design refinements.
Not only can this spray-on film solution be used on homes, it can also be used all over a car with a transparent solution on the windows, and a thicker and more opaque solution on the bodywork. The electricity generated from this solution can be used to recharge the car battery. There can be other potential applications too for the solar spray-on film solution.
For a more complete explanation on the spray-on film solution, its applications, and its benefits, you may watch the video below, which is an interview with Professor Chris Binns, the professor of nanotechnology from the University of Leicester:
This is a great development with a lot of potential, because the entire building can be used to generate solar energy for electricity and therefore water heating, and this technology can be used to ensure that there is solar power in every building, not only homes (and at a cheaper cost than for panels). In addition, enormous solar panels would then not be required.
What would be great in addition would be to use this solution, in conjunction with passive houses and OLED wallpapers, which are two topics discussed in our previous articles. Such a house would be extremely energy efficient and comfortable thanks to being a passive house, have very bright yet energy effiicient lighting as a result of using OLED lighting which would save a lot of energy. I believe every house and every building should have their own solar power generation, as an alternative to having a great big arrays of solar panels supplying power to the cities.
Thin film solar technology sounds very good, energy efficient, economical and in favour of environment when applied practically every where on windows, roofs and cars etc.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is exciting news! Solar panels are expensive and a little unsightly so this seems a perfect solution. The UK government are currently running a scheme to encourage people to have solar panels on their homes and create their own electricity so more people maybe getting them now. However, reading this it might be worth waiting!
ReplyDeleteTo be able to produce your own energy is vital. Every household should get off the national grid. Depending on your government for energy supply is not a wise thing to do!
ReplyDeleteEspecially now that Russia made a huge deal with China and their will sell their gas to the Chinese. Considering that Russia is also providing Europe with gas, you can guess how it will affect us. We have already entered winter.
Either we have no gas available or there will be a massive price increase.
So if you want to invest in something, the best thing to do is set up your own renewable energy supply especially if you already own your house or apartment.