The solar industry is evolving rapidly as the world transitions away from fossil fuels and toward more sustainable sources.
We now have highly affordable panels that are far more efficient than ever before, so we can slash our electricity bills for little out of the pocket expense. We also have affordable batteries to stash power away for a (literal) rainy day.
So, what is next on the horizon for the industry? Energy Matters looks at the big technologies being worked on in 2021 that could revolutionise the industry tomorrow.
Floating solar farms
We are lucky to have vast expanses of space in Australia where solar farms of enormous magnitude can be constructed. Other countries are not as fortunate, so technologies are being worked on that with stations on the water instead of the land.
While this concept is not new (there is a massive floating farm in Lismore, Australia), the technologies behind it are rapidly improving, and they are becoming more mainstream around the world.
Floatovoltaics reduce the cost of energy because there is no real estate or land prices, while the cooling effect of water increases power production. Don’t be surprised to see these farms floating in a body of water near you soon.
Harvesting renewable power at night
Researchers from the University of California are developing a new technology that can generate power 24 hours a day, including through the night.
While the earth is bathed in the sun’s rays during the day, solar radiation tries to escape at night. The anti-solar technology being developed by these researchers are seeking to capture that radiation for 24-hour power production.
Perovskite crystal
There are credible suspicions that we have peaked in efficiency from silicon cells used in home panel systems. The next evolution of panels is being worked on that use perovskites to boost the efficiency rate of silicon cells, so rooftop arrays can convert more of the sun’s rays into electricity.
Perovskites are initially being used to enhance silicon cells. Still, there is potential for them to be used independently as the technologies advance and become a genuine rival – which can only be a good thing for consumers.
An Australian research team based at UNSW and working in collaboration with the University of Sydney are racing the clock to beat a UK team based out of Oxford PV to develop this technology.
Building-integrated photovoltaics
Also known as BIPV technology, these panels are designed for use in skyscrapers with plenty of vertical surface space but not much of a rooftop for panels. This technology continues to advance, and can be used on windows so that natural light can still get in and the people inside will still have a view of the outside world.
In the future, we are likely to see an extension of this technology in solar skins. Researchers worldwide are working on making paper-thin panels that are efficient, affordable and can be applied to almost any surface.
Get a quick free quote today. Contact us toll-free on 1800 EMATTERS or email our friendly team for expert, obligation-free advice.
