Solar technology is a great renewable energy technology that allows people to harness the energy that is produced by the sun into other sources of energy. Since its initial introduction, solar technology has come a long way and has expanded into a variety of individual technologies. What initially began as a rooftop technology in the 19th century has evolved into a technology that can be used on vehicles and many other locations.

Floating Solar Farms

Also referred to as “floatovoltaics”, floating solar farms are a promising new form of solar energy production. Floating solar farms are floating fields of photovoltaic panels that are placed in bodies of water, where the panels can be more efficient at collecting and harnessing sunlight. The water that the panels are placed over is able to cool the panels as they collect sunlight, allowing them to work more efficiently. By blocking the sunlight that hits the water, floating solar farms are also able to reduce water loss due to evaporation.

A primary advantage of floating solar farms is that they do not occupy land space that can be used for other purposes. For example, in instances where solar panels are placed on farmland, the panels tend to change the vegetation and growing patterns of the land. It is also cheaper to install floating solar farms than their land-based counterparts.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Technologies

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar technologies combine solar technologies seamlessly with building designs. These technologies allow minimal disruption to a building’s architecture while providing the many great benefits that solar technologies have to offer. Researchers have developed glass structures that can be integrated well with buildings while allowing natural light to continue entering into the buildings.

Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage System

Researchers at the Chalmers University of Technology have been working on a special molecule that is able to capture solar energy and store the energy for up to 18 years. Abbreviated as MOST, the Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage System is set to be produced by the researchers as a prototype that can be used on a larger scale. The system is able to transport its stored energy and release the energy in the form of heat, which is why the researchers are developing the system for use on residential properties. The European Union is now leading the project and has granted 4.3-million Euros to the researchers for the development of the system.

Solar Skin

Solar skins are a great technology that allows users to better-integrate solar technologies into everyday items. Solar skins are thin solar films that can display custom images, allowing the solar technology to blend onto what it is placed on. Solar skins can currently be developed to match a range of items and places, such as lawns and business advertisements.

Solar Fabric

Solar fabrics are an emerging solar technology that embed solar filaments into a range of fabrics and clothing items. Solar fabric technology will allow people to do a variety of things, like charge their phones as they are on the move. Currently, the researchers who are developing solar fabrics have attempted to use the technology on street awnings, curtains, and several other building applications. These fabrics are expected to save people money on the installation costs of traditional solar panels and a variety of other areas.

Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells are an up-and-coming solar technology that is able to produce greater efficiency at a lower production cost than most other solar technologies. Perovskite solar cells use special compounds that have the same crystal structures as the perovskite mineral that was first found in the Ural mountains of Russia. The structure allows ultrathin films to be developed at low costs and with a variety of production methods. These films also have high absorption rates, allowing them to absorb greater amounts of sunlight. There are toxicity issues with the technology that are currently being addressed, with lead poisoning being the primary concern of the technology. The perovskite solar technology has been in development since 2009.

Conclusion

Solar technology has been growing at a rapid rate. Rather than the bulky solar panels that many people typically equate with solar technology, researchers have been developing many methods of making the technology more accessible and mobile. Contact us at Midwest Solar Installers if you would like to learn more about solar technology and how it has improved over the years. There is still a lot of growth that is occurring in the field of solar technology, and we are happy to remain up to date on the many advancements that are happening.