The latest innovations in photovoltaic technology
Solar power is continually researched, developed and deployed all over the world. Improved materials, design, and technological advances are allowing more sunlight to be converted into power and bringing costs down. Here are some of the cutting-edge transformations.
Perovskite is one material being developed to replace silicon. Perovskite, or Calcium Titanium Oxide (CaTiO3), is a naturally occurring mineral which absorbs light better than silicon and has enhanced properties as a semiconductor. Compared to silicon, it can produce more power with potentially easier to use infrastructure. We expect future development on an industrial scale providing thinner, and possibly malleable panels. Perovskite will cost less than silicon and using it as an alternative is more friendly to the environment.
Tandem solar cells, where silicon and perovskite are used together, absorb different parts of the solar spectrum and therefore capture more of the sun’s power making them more energy efficient as well as reducing the cost of the panels.
Transparent panels are another major design innovation, allowing the potential for panels to replace windows. Developers are also looking at a transparent film that could be laid on top of existing glass and solar blinds that allow light through but still capture a proportion of the rays.
Two-sided panels absorb sunlight from both sides of the panel increasing the amount of power produced, and it has been calculated that installing bi-facials above lighter coloured and reflective roofs can increase the amount of electric produced by 30%.
Battery storage technology is advancing at a breakneck pace, with both lithium and solid state battery storage capacity increasing all the time. Batteries are becoming smaller relative to capacity, and cheaper. Incorporating batteries into a solar installation allows for power to be used when it is dark, and/or enables capacity of a solar system to be maintained at a consistent level.
AI developments are introducing Smart systems into the panel installations. The new technology monitors energy conversion and allows battery packs to be carefully controlled for maximum output and efficiency.
Built in photovoltaics, BIPVs are continuing to be developed. Panels can be integrated into the roof design making them more aesthetically pleasing. BIPVs can be installed in environments where the visual effect of adding solar panels could be divisive. Integrated panels can be dual purpose, acting as both a power source and as the primary roof covering.
Floating solar farms are sometimes referred to as floatovoltaics! Floating, anchored solar panels on lakes or in coastal water are being deployed as a means of generating power without using up valuable land.
Agrivoltaics are being researched carefully, so that ground-mounted solar panels are installed in such a way to still allow agriculture to continue around them. The shelter and shading from the panels has been found, in some cases, to even enhance crop production while allowing energy to be produced.
Solar skins is a term being used for buildings where, not only the roofs but the walls too are clad in a photovoltaic material, allowing even more energy to be produced.
Thin film solar cells are being produced which reduces the weight, allowing solar to be installed on canopies and less structural roofs. The thin film also enables cells to be curved – again, making their installation more widely accessible.
Sustainability of solar panels is a question on people’s minds, so recycling systems are being introduced that efficiently separate their component materials, reducing demand for raw materials and stopping the majority of spent solar panels ending up in landfill.
Flexible solutions are being developed for businesses to benefit from solar power, and Olympus Power offer a wide range of expertise over many different renewable power requirements. Not only do we keep abreast of the latest technology but we also offer a range of funding options, such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). We can install panels and sell electricity back to the land owner at a reduced rate, saving businesses capital outlay and still allowing them to benefit from an environment friendly energy source and cheaper electricity.