Wind power and photovoltaics are currently the most efficient and well-established renewable energy sources. Both have seen significant technological advancements in the past decade towards greener power. While wind energy has expanded its production capacity by harnessing the power of the sea, solar panels have focused on enhancing the photosensitive layer. Today, it is common for solar panels to achieve over 20% energy efficiency. MIT has recently introduced a new twist by developing ultra-thin photovoltaic panels that can adhere to almost any surface, while maintaining unprecedented efficiency.
This article discusses the following topics:
Ultra-thin printable solar panels
Traditional photovoltaic cells are delicate and require protection with glass and sturdy metal structures. MIT’s ONE Lab has been researching innovative solutions for years to address this issue. In 2017, they demonstrated a thin photovoltaic film that could be placed on a soap bubble, although it lacked industrial scalability. This prototype, however, paved the way for the development of the new photovoltaic inks recently introduced.
The new printable panels are significantly lighter than current ones and offer much higher efficiency per kilogram of weight. The key lies in utilizing nanomaterials in the ink, which is printed on a peel-off film only fifteen microns thick. A basic screen printing technique is then used to apply a substrate to the film, onto which the photovoltaic ink is fixed. This process is relatively simple and, most importantly, industrially scalable, benefiting the future of renewable energies.
A photovoltaic technology of unprecedented efficiency
The experts at ONE Lab have determined that their new printable photovoltaic technology can achieve an efficiency of up to 370 watts per kilogram in tests. For instance, a rooftop solar installation weighing up to half a ton could be reduced to just fifty pounds using the new photovoltaic film, although a larger surface area may be required.
The new technique allows for the application of the ultralight material on various surfaces, including fabrics, plastics, and metals. In laboratory experiments, the film could be rolled and unrolled up to five hundred times while maintaining 90% of its electricity production capacity. In addition to photovoltaic facades, the new printable technology opens up possibilities for applications such as ship sails, electricity-generating tents, photovoltaic clothing, photovoltaic drone wings, and electric vehicles with lower recharging needs.
After proving the technology’s energy efficiency, the next challenge is to develop a protective plastic sheet to enhance the durability of the nanomaterials against environmental elements. Below is a video from MIT showcasing the development of the new printable photovoltaic panels and the underlying technology:
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The infinite possibilities of photovoltaic panels
There are numerous ways to incorporate photovoltaic cells to drive the transition towards a more sustainable economy. Here are some interesting examples recently discussed:
- Photovoltaic films for façades: Inspired by MIT’s invention, this technology involves a thin polymer-based organic film that can coat up to one square meter with just a gram of the compound.
- Photovoltaic glass: Photovoltaic glass serves as an excellent solution in urban environments, particularly in glazed skyscrapers, while also providing UV radiation filtration.
- Hybrid wind farms: Combining wind turbines with organic photovoltaic panels can enhance power generation around the turbine towers.
- Solar houses: A solar-powered house concept, inspired by sunflowers, features a rotating structure to maximize efficiency by tracking the sun’s movement throughout the day.
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