Latest Solar Technologies

Is there any revolution awaiting in the Solar Industry? 

What can we envision in the Solar Energy Technology beyond 2020? By solar power we have a tendency of instantly thinking of blue colour solar panels installed on rooftop or lawn. This simply indicates the fact that solar power is still beyond reach of the common people. But good news is solar power is slowly making its way into our lives. In the name of Solar Technology, till now only the traditional blue coloured silicon panels have dominated the market. Now, in this post I am discussing five important solar technologies that have the tendency to revolutionize the solar industry in the next 10 years. 

Floating Solar Farms

The solar panels that you see often are silicon panels. Now as technology is advancing, these silicon panels are getting cheaper and cheaper. New researches have shown that these panels, if placed, over large water bodies or reservoirs give higher efficiency including a host of other advantages as well. So, from photovoltaics, another new term has arisen as "Floatovoltaics". So, probably you have got an idea from the name that these are something we may called as floating voltaics. Floatovoltaics are actually solar power systems that are designed in a way to float in dams, reservoirs and other water bodies. 

Such a floatovoltaic system can generate an excessive amount of electricity in a very cost-effective manner as there is no requirement of land and real estate. Also the installation cost in case of the floatovoltaics is less than that of  land based system. An interesting fact is that, because of the cooling effect of water, the floating solar system generates 10% more power. They reduce loss of water through evaporation and as such can aid in the water management system. They can even prevent the growth of unwanted algae. So, there is less costing towards water treatment. So, definitely this one is a sustainable solar technology. Commercially, 175 kWh floating panel system was installed for the first time in California in 2008.

Solar Fabric

Everyday, we are prone to sun's rays or solar radiation in one way or the other. So, why not we use this radiation to generate power while we are actually moving from one position to another. Researchers have been continuously working towards making solar fabrics that will probably be fixed on your cap, jacket, trousers, sweater, shirts and shoes. This will keep your body warmer, charge your phone and provide any kind of power requirement while you walk. If house hold clothing can also have this facilities in future, then you can save your money against solar panel mounting and installation.  

Solar Skin 

This can be taken as another advanced step towards solar power enhancement. Here, you get the option to customize your solar panels or you can say the idea of this technology is to add custom designs to your solar panels. Unlike conventional solar panels, solar skin can camouflage in the material they are attached with. They can exactly matched the grassy lawns or rooftops of your house or office. Just imagine a store front's banner with its logo is actually powering it as it is actually a solar skin and you are in disguise.   

Photovoltaic Noise Barriers

The noise barriers serves three purposes - reduce noise, produce solar energy and can be used as a fence. The potential of such barriers to generate solar energy depends upon the setting or alignment with respect to the sun. If double-sided solar panels are used then the east-west alignment would be the best one for maximum service output. 

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

The idea behind BIPV is to include solar technology in the buildings in all forms possible. These may be blending solar materials into as roofs, canopies, window panes, curtain walls and facades etc. In this way, consumers will be able to save on their building material expenses. This is an integrated concept and you don't have to buy the solar items separately. Photovoltaic or PV glasses in windows and walls can generate a lot of energy for a building. Buildings that face the sun from east and west directions can make very good use of these glasses. 

Conclusion

After hydropower and wind, solar energy is the third largest source of renewable energy. The future of Solar technology is very bright. Earlier by solar we mean only the blue-colored silicon panels, but now solar gadgets are set to become customized and we can apply them everywhere possible. It is with the help of technology that we can  The 21st century is definitely going to be solar powered. So, we are all excited to be a part of another revolution in the human race that is a Solar Powered life.