From efficiency upgrades, advanced capabilities of solar equipment, to massive improvements in the storage of energy, there is so much that the field of solar power is moving towards in terms of innovations.
In this NEW series, we discuss a few of the most interesting topics in solar technology innovation. Be sure to stay tuned to catch all the instalments!
Part 2 – Thin Film Solar Panels
Part 3 – Perovskite Solar Panels
Part 4 – Coloured Solar Panels
Solar panels have become increasingly efficient, but their look hasn't dramatically improved… until now. Coloured solar panels are an aesthetically appealing counterpart to the traditional black or blue panels. While these panels offer up to 8% efficiency compared to the 13-15% of typical silicon panels, their vivid appearance could encourage broader use, allowing increased adoption to spur improved performance.
What are the typical colours for solar cells?
Solar cells usually have a dark colour, specifically to reflect as little light as possible. In this way, the solar cell will therefore produce maximum power output.
Monocrystalline solar cells are typically blue, black or grey, while polycrystalline solar cells are usually blue or dark blue. The colour of thin-film amorphous silicon cells is always the same: it has a dark surface with grey, brown and black as common colours. CIS Cells and CDTe Cells are always dark brown or black. The colour of the solar cells can be changed by varying the thickness of the anti-reflection coating.
What are coloured solar panels?
Coloured Solar Cells are solar cells that feature different colours than the standard dark grey and bluish colours of typical solar cells.
The coloured cells give a special look to the solar installation, however, by adjusting the thickness of the anti-reflection layer, the overall reflection will increase and the efficiency will decrease by 15-30%, depending on the colour.
A designer’s delight…
Standard solar panels live on rooftops, need to tilt at a certain angle, and, most problematically, are an eyesore. People don’t find them attractive, so it’s hard for a building designer to integrate them in a way people will accept. The invention of coloured panels could lead to more businesses adopting the aesthetically appealing alternative, and by way, an increased adoption of renewable energy.
These new panels may not be as efficient as standard solar panels, but the stained glass window pane look could be utilized well in public spaces, like colourful, energy-harvesting benches that double-up as charging stations in a park.
Still a while to go…
These coloured cells are currently manufactured in China and Taiwan, and due to the rarity of this product, it is not surprising that their price is higher than that of regular solar cells. As this alternative to the standard panel still grows in popularity, it may be a while before we see these beautiful panels in our cities.
What’s in our next instalment of Solar Innovations?
Hairy solar panels… Curious? Be sure to look out for this interesting article as we wrap up our series on solar innovations.
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