Nanotech Spray on Solar Panels

Conventionally solar panels consist of silicon based solar cells, which harness solar power and use it to power a variety of gadgets. They have to be bought separately and come in different sizes and are often attached to the devices. But new technology has changed that. Ensol, a Norwegian company, have taken the concept a step further with a spray on solar panel.

The spray on film is made up of metal nanoparticles embedded in a transparent composite matrix, and operates on a different principle. The company is now developing the product with help from the University of Leicester’s Department of Physics and Astronomy for commercial use.

Currently the product is being developed as squares of 16 centimeters each. Once it is ready for the market, which it should be by 2016, it should be easy to spray it onto windows and perhaps even building walls. Just think of how many offices and hotels are already full of tinted glass. It would also provide a source of cheap power in parts of the world which still have little or no electricity.

If all that glass and material can be used to harness solar power, it would result in significant reduction in electricity usage and substantial savings. Currently the thought is that the energy efficiency of this product will be around 20 percent, but even that will result in less dependence on conventional energy sources if the spray on product gets a commercial foothold.

Category: Home Improvement, New Developments, Power, Solar