New Solar Modules
New Solar Power - Where are We Going?
People instantly picture good old solar panels sitting on the roofs, or in the desert solar farm. This is an apt reason, since rooftop solar panels and traditional grid-connected solar systems been the dominant solar markets up to this point.
However, there are many innovative and exciting solar power technologies currently in development or are already in the market. These exciting new technologies will change the way we think about solar energy in general. Solar doesn’t require a big roof or property, and neither does this have to be unsightly. Read on to find out more.
Floating solar farms (also known as floatovoltaics)
Every day, silicon panels are cheaper and more efficient. Experts claim that photovoltaic panels installed on reservoirs and other water bodies will have greater efficacy as well as a variety of other advantages.
Floatovoltaics,” also known as photovoltaic could be solar energy systems employed to create floating structures in dams or reservoirs.
Floating farms are capable of producing enormous amounts of electricity without the need to utilize valuable land or real property. The cost of installation for floating solar panels can be much lower than those on land. Research also showed that solar panel floating can generate 10 percent more power because of the cooling effect of water.
This floating farm is able to produce clean solar energy and help manage water. Since they hinder air circulation and prevent sunlight from reaching the surface of the water floating solar farms help reduce water and power loss through evaporate. Floating solar farms also prevent the development of harmful algae which lowers water treatment costs. Furthermore, the water that flows beneath the solar panel helps keep them clean and reduces consumption.
At the Napa Valley’s Far Niente winery, California, was the first to set up the floating-panel system of 175 kWh.
Cost of deployment
The 2014 average national cost of solar installation of solar panels was \$2.8 for each Watt (\$/w). The effectiveness of solar panels is thought to be around 20% over 25 years. Floatovoltaics are cheaper over other renewable energy technologies , such as hydropower and wind power, which have high cost of land and environmental impacts. The global floating panels market was estimated at \$3.89m in 2014 and is expected to grow. Furthermore, floating solar panels are eligible to be eligible for federal or local grant incentive programs.
BIPV Solar Technology
Building-integrated photovoltaics, as the name suggests integrate seamlessly into architecture of buildings. They can be used in roofing and canopy systems, curtain walls, facades skylight systems, as well as other types of roofing. BIPV, as opposed to traditional solar PV panels can be stylish and are does not compromise the design of the building.
For solar industry buyers it’s not enough to look attractive. They must also consider the financial benefits of buying solar panels in the solar market. BIPV solar panel systems are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to reduce more energy consumption and build materials costs. You can save money on solar power mounting costs by using BIPV instead of standard construction materials.
BIPV technology is used to enhance the building’s facades and atriums, terraces, floors and canopy.
- The efficiency of energy has improved
- High-quality sound and thermal insulation
- The sun is a clean source of unrestricted solar power.
- Lower O&M costs
- Zero carbon footprint
The photovoltaic components made up of PV solar glasses are used to build materials and provide natural light in offices and homes. They also serve as power-generating devices.
Types and kinds of BIPV
Technically, BIPV is any construction material that is capable of producing solar electricity. Here are a few examples of BIPV technology:
Solar Panels for Roofs
Solar roofing is probably the most popular type of BIPV technology. This kind of BIPV technology is also known by the names solar shingles and solar tiles. You can upgrade your roof with tiles or shingles using the solar roofing material that is dual-purpose that generates electricity as well as shelter.
While solar roofs provide many benefits, it is still not as advanced as conventional solar panels. The main reason is that solar roofs do not have the same level of efficiency as traditional monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. In addition, solar roofs could be more expensive than solar panel roof installations.
Solar Cells Transparent glaze
Because the sun is more visible from buildings than roofs, why wouldn’t you take advantage of that space? While the geographic location of solar radiation can influence the amount of sunlight a building gets, there are often good exposures along one or more sides. Solar windows (or also called solar glass) are a type of BIPV products popularly known within the field of solar. They utilize extremely thin solar panels that can capture sunlight, yet maintain their transparency like a regular window.
General building components
We aren’t aware of any other ways to incorporate solar energy into structures, therefore we’ll go with “general elements” at the moment. This can include solar façades, awnings as well as any other structural elements that are on the sides of buildings that could be made solar-friendly. The solar-integrated elements of a building make use of organic solar cells as well as the thin film solar panel more frequently than rooftop solar panels.
There are pros and cons to using Building-integrated photovoltaics
Advantages of BIPV
BIPV has the obvious benefit of producing free solar energy. Solar energy is{ constantly|| continuously} hitting Earth enough to supply our planet with electricity 10,000x. Therefore, every square inch we can utilize for electricity generation is an added benefit.
BIPV is appealing due to its aesthetics. BIPV lets you go solar in a more subtle and more stylish way as opposed to solar panel. BIPV is a great option for commercial and industrial structures. It allows you to show off your company’s innovation as well as environmental awareness.
BIPV's drawbacks
BIPV is a component of a building. It is therefore important to plan ahead to ensure that you can build your building using BIPV solutions. To integrate solar-powered products it is essential to know what areas of sunlight are required prior to making any construction. Understanding upfront that you’re keen on incorporating solar energy in your structure can lower the cost of building.
Solar skins
Solar skins let you integrate custom designs into your solar panel system. Similar to bus windows for advertising solar skins is the same.
Shneyder Solar is the producer of solar-skin products. It is currently testing it’s technology with the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Because of the advances in selective light filtering, solar thin-film sunscreens have their high efficiency. The sun’s rays are filtered to penetrate the cells under the solar skin. This permits it to display the customized image and generate the solar energy.
The customized images that are embedded into solar panels can be precisely matched to the grassy lawns or rooftops of your home.
Solar skin panels are ideal for businesses and government offices. They can be personalized to display company logos advertising, flags of countries, and so forth.
Solar skins are made to be lighter than traditional racks and conceal metal components. The Shneyder Solar Solar Group’s Solar skins could provide the answer to your issues with panel aesthetics.
Shneyder Solar also allows you to monitor your system’s operation 24 hours a day via your smartphone. You will be informed when your system is experiencing problems or in the event of an interruption. The app also recommends the correct remedies.
The downside to solar skin panels is solar installation costs. They are about 10 percent more expensive than conventional panels.
Solar Skins Pros & Cons
There are a few drawbacks with this product that you must be aware of. While this technology is appealing for concealing solar arrays, is in its infancy to the world market. There are some negatives. Before we dive into the pros and cons of this product, however we’ll look at the pros.
Solar Skin Pros
Solar skins are a great addition of your solar system because it blends in with the roofline. Solar skins can be used to transform your home into a work of art or turn your company’s roof into an advertisement space.
The benefits include the longevity promise resulting in the Fraunhofer, and Atlas testing. This product comes with a tough film that lasts 30+ years. It also offers solar panel reduction in glare.
Testing of the product covered cracks, dirt retention as along with blistering, browning and yellowing. It has also been tested for flash to ensure that the light is transmitted properly.
Solar Skin’s Cons
The solar panel efficiency is the primary drawback of solar skin. While this technology lets light through, some part of UV radiation is blocked.
Think about the costs of adding solar-powered skins for your array. Already, homeowners invest thousands of dollars into solar. The technology is expected to increase the cost.
In addition, the applique is only covered for ten year, despite having an extended warranty of 30 years. The typical solar panel comes with an 25-year guarantee. But the solar skin may begin to fade and decrease module efficiency further before they reach their expected end-of-life.
Solar fabric
Solar radiation is everywhere throughout the world. Why not make your own energy? Imagine being able to generate solar energy from any place on the planet, but as you move through your clothes.
Research has attempted to combine solar fabric and solar panels in a variety of areas.
- Building facades that provide shading and energy
- Illuminating the streetlights by Awnings
- Curtains that cut off energy consumption from the grid
Solar-fabricated household clothing can be a great way to cut down on mounting and installation fees.
Additionally, Shneyder Solar is working on the US Army project to develop solar-powered camping tents powered by solar energy. Since solar power costs remain low, it is not impossible to imagine a world in which the power source is solar energy.
Solar Cell Fabric has Many Benefits
There are many more positive benefits that solar cell fabric could bring to your life. These were listed to meet the present needs of the people.
1. The capability to charge electronic devices
Imagine you are walking around all day taking pictures with your smartphone and answering a few calls. You can text, scroll across your feeds on social networks, and not think about whether your battery is low or where to charge your smartphone.
You always have the option of using a power battery, however it’s also possible that you forget to take them with you or charge them. With clothes with integrated solar cell technology, you’ll be at peace and relaxed all day. In order for these cells to function and produce electricity, all you need is to have a bit of sunshine. Then, you’ll be able to connect your mobile to the USB ports on your clothing.
2. Lower electricity consumption
This is why we’ll spend less energy if our phones don’t get charged at home or other places other than our solar panel fabric. This patent could lead to a significant reduction in the use of electricity if it is realized to its fullest potential.
Although it could appear that charging these tiny smart gadgets isn’t important in the larger electricity consumption{ context of course|| perspective} however, the reality is quite the opposite. It’s a situation dependent on the amount.
Although it’s not something you need to be concerned about as an individual it is worth noting that you should know that charging your mobile for a whole calendar year is less one dollar since you will use 2kWh to do so. What number of phones are you using in your home? Where are the tiny devices? Multiply this number with the population of the world.
3. Micro Size Solar Cells
The patent was needed because the cells must be tiny enough that you do not feel their presence or their weight. This was among the biggest challenges in the development of this technology: making cells tiny enough to be able to fit into clothing.
These cells are designed to be worn in contemporary, breathable clothes. The designers thought of this when designing the clothes. They adapted and shaped the entire collection to conform to the standards. One research group from the university needed information on how sustainable this concept is. It was also necessary to find out if these solar cells can be integrated into the fabric.
The cells they were using were only 3mm x 1.5mm in dimension. But, they proved that the technology within these cells is a true powerhouse , despite their small size. They demonstrated that the tiny solar bugs function as they should when test-driven. They won’t cause any discomfort and will remain able to charge your Fitbit and smartphone devices. It’s the outcome of testing around 200 cells that could generate 2.5 10-volts electricity, as high as 80 milliwatts.
4. Fabrics that are water-proof and machine washable
Another option is to make the fabrics using solar cells. They are reliable and secure, in addition to making electricity from sunlight. We don’t want to wear a jacket, or any other clothing that needs to be treated differently. People are impatient. They don’t want the time to consider these issues.
The University of Tokyo and Riken research institution presented a prototype of this machine-washable, waterproof solar fabric three years ago. That was the start of the whole circle. We now have solar-powered clothing which has micro solar cells to power your small devices. It’s all in fashionable pieces that you can wear every day.
Patented solar cells have been laminated using an impervious resin that makes this system waterproof. You can wear your solar cells’ fabric in all weather conditions, even when it is raining.
Photovoltaic Solar Noise Barriers (PVNB)
Everybody has complained about the pollution from the highways throughout the US. 48 states have built nearly 3,000 miles of traffic noise barriers to overcome this problem. Noise barriers were designed with a single goal in mind: making noise barriers affordable and effective. It is believed that the US Department of Energy is now trying to integrate noise abatement with the power generation process.
The potential to produce solar power from sound barriers within the US is about 400 gigawatts (GWh) each year, considering the extensive usage of them. This is about equivalent to the amount of power used annually by 37,000 homes.
Design and function
The photovoltaic modules can be integrated into the barriers as support elements inside the soundproofing/sound-absorbing panels. In order to ensure maximum performance, the design of the Photovoltaic Noise Barriers (PVNBs) must be based on various factors like the materials used, the location of barriers, the dimensions of the local climate, quantity of solar radiation, as well as azimuth. Two different functions are fulfilled by photovoltaic noise barriers.
They first reduce their acoustic radiation which is scattered or diffused in the direction of the original source. The solar cells in PV modules convert sunlight into electricity. This lowers CO2 emissions and also lessens noise. The first research paper on PVNBs also examined the possibility of reducing noise pollution.
The majority of environmental noise barriers professionals realize that vehicles could cause visual damage to the area and impact views. Numerous cases have demonstrated that noise barriers for environmental use can solve both of these problems. There is increasing concern about the impact of pollution to the environment. Environmental noise barriers may also have the ability to reduce pollution of the air from roads. In the near future, technology will ensure that barriers with the ability to lower air pollution have a larger role. Three main drivers will be driving the design of barriers that include sound reduction, the visual screen and the reduction of air pollution
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