As renewable energy sources gain traction in the solar power industry, more people learn which solar panels are taking over the market.
The energy market needs resources that can enhance renewable energy and make a positive environmental impact. Fortunately, we are beginning to see vast improvements in solar energy, including design, energy storage, overall efficiency, and battery life.
Here, we are sharing several new solar panel technologies that are making waves in the industry. These innovations are going to shape the way we think about solar panels as we know them. In other words, there are many innovations that we can look forward to in 2022.
Latest Solar Innovations
Below are some of the latest solar innovations that either already exist on the market or are ready to make a positive impact on solar efficiency.
Solar Paint
Instead of a costly solar installation, solar paint uses the sun’s energy to generate electricity. This paint is applied to a hard surface and contains light-sensitive elements that contribute to electricity.
Solar paint is not readily available because it needs higher levels of efficiency to work, but many industry folks believe that it will be available over the next few years.
Solar Windows
Solar windows need more time to develop before becoming commercially available. However, solar windows are made from tinted glass and are designed to transform sunlight into electricity.
This innovative solution has the potential to save people energy and money in the long run.
Solar Cars
Solar cars are not exactly new to the market. Since solar cars contain zero emissions, many engineers are continuing to test these cars for the public domain.
However, solar cars may one day serve as a welcome solution to the number of fossil fuels we use each year.
Solar Transportation On Solar Roads
Instead of focusing on solar cars themselves, how about the possibility of solar roads? Solar roads are becoming a powerful initiative in multiple countries around the globe.
Many believe that solar roads will reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panels may also be installed on solar roads, assisting drivers during rough climates and unpredictable conditions.
Solar Water
Solar water also referred to as the solar desalination process, converts seawater into freshwater. This process has the potential to provide for populations that need clean water and remote areas seeking off-grid desalination.
Floatovoltaics
Floatovoltaics, otherwise known as floating solar farms, have low installation costs and manage water levels properly. Floatovoltaics reduce the possibility of evaporation by blocking sunlight and diminishing frequent air circulation.
These photovoltaic solar power systems also float on various bodies of water to generate electricity on a larger scale.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
BIPV solar technology is built into various forms of architecture, such as roofs, canopies, facades, skylights, and more. The design of BIPV does not stick out like solar panels and is more aesthetically pleasing.
Additionally, using BIPV offers numerous benefits, including lower costs, a positive environmental impact, no carbon footprint, high energy efficiency, and more.
Solar Skins
Although solar skins have not been released yet, manufacturers are actively testing this novel technology to increase its efficiency. Solar skins camouflage against any surface with a custom image, such as a roof or grassy yard. However, solar skins are currently more of a costly innovation than other solar power resources.
Solar Fabric
Solar fabric for clothing is designed for warmth and energy efficiency to power up any device during travel. This innovation may cut costs on traditional solar panel installation.
Photovoltaic Solar Noise Barriers (PVNB)
As a sustainable energy resource, PVNB lessens traffic noise by producing solar energy. In areas that have already built the barriers, PVNB is proving to be a cost-effective solution.
Solar Thin Film
Because of new technology, solar power can now be printed onto thin rolls of solar film. This innovative solution works to cut costs and lessen the need for solar panel installation.
Solar Balloons
Solar balloons use plastic balloons to convert solar energy to solar cells. This particular solution uses existing technology systems to function, meaning it is commercially available and cost-effective.
Hairy Solar Panels
Hairy solar panels utilize nanotechnology to absorb large amounts of energy. This solution can make a positive impact on energy harvests and efficiency.
Microinverters
Microinverters are providing an exciting solution to the inverter device. A regular inverter converts solar power into AC power with a higher price tag.
With microinverters, you will only need one solar panel and inverter to complete the transformation.
Infrared Spectrum Solar Panels
Infrared spectrum solar panels could become an exciting move for the future of solar power. Eventually, the hope is that solar panels will be able to read the infrared spectrum to generate electricity.
Concentrating Solar Power Technologies (CSP)
A self-sustainable power resource, concentrating solar power technology systems use the sun’s heat to generate electricity. CSP also stores thermal energy to reflect sunlight onto large receivers.
CSP is becoming a beneficial technology system for solar power because of its thermal energy storage and dispatchable power sources. As hot fluids and thermal energy enter insulated tanks, condensed steam then works to generate electricity, which is proving to be a reliable renewable solar energy practice.
There are four innovative technology systems that CSP uses, which include:
Parabolic Trough Systems
Trough systems mirror sunlight through reflectors with oil-filled pipes. Because of the direct sunlight, the oil-filled pipes then heat up to about 750 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pipes generate steam for turbines and generators.
Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector (CLFR)
CLFR utilizes curved mirrors to reflect energy from the sun onto a receiver and uses water-filled tubes to boil water. Water boils inside the tubes, generating high-pressure steam for steam turbines.
Power Tower Systems/Central Receivers
Power tower systems are quite innovative because they track the sun’s movement using mirrors. The mirrors act as reflectors to focus the sun’s rays onto a receiver, heating fluid up to 1,050 degrees Fahrenheit.
Following that process, the hot fluid creates steam to generate electricity. This process also allows electricity to operate during unpredictable climate conditions for up to 24 hours of power.
Dish/Engine Systems
Similar to power tower systems, dish/engine systems reflect sunlight onto a central receiver with large mirrored dishes to track the sun’s movement. Using a high-efficiency external combustion engine with hydrogen or helium gas, dish/engine systems generate a large amount of solar energy.
Work With OnePointe Solutions
If you work in solar power and are considering an innovative technology system for your large-scale facility, OnePointe Solutions is happy to help!
At OnePointe Solutions, we collaborate with all of our clients throughout all design stages. By delivering a customized design plan and installing innovative, energy-efficient solutions, we will work with you to facilitate your facility’s needs.
If you are searching for top-of-the-line laboratory, industrial, or commercial furniture, our team of experts will manufacture custom workstations, including work surfaces, tables, casework, workbenches, and seating. Ultimately, we help you discover high-quality, diverse products that your facility needs to thrive.
To get in touch with the OnePointe Solutions team, call us at (866) 612-7312 or fill out our contact form.