The
Solar Industry has been witnessing a lot of innovations recently.Generating
Electricity through them has transformed the way power is being sourced for and the world’s focus has gradually shifted to renewable as a desirable source of
energy.
Apart from having devices(solid materials) that generate power through solar,there is a new discovery that is liquid.And it is the Solar Paint
What is a Solar Paint?
Scientists have developed a paint that can generate hydrogen fuel from moist air and sunlight.Just like wall paints(if painted), it has the similar function as the large photovoltaic (PV) solar collectors on buildings and solar farms around the world.
How was it produced?
It was manufactured through the combination of titanium oxide (already used in many wall paints) with synthetic molybdenum-sulphide. The latter functions like the silica gel packaged with many consumer products to keep them free from damage by absorbing moisture.
Made from nano crystals, it can be sprayed on plastic, glass and even fabric to create a solar cell.And it can be used to cover areas where it will be difficult for solar panels to fit in.
Its Relevance:
If produced on a flexible material,they could be used on housetops-along with roofing materials – thereby generating electricity while serving as roofing material. They would be also better suited for bad weather( hail and windstorms)than some of today’s more fragile solar collectors.
In about five years time when this new innovation finally becomes popular,it will add to the list of solar products that are encouraging the world to use renewable as an alternative for power generation.A further reduction in price will help third world countries to access power at the grass-root level.