via Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Research demonstrates the potential of a solar unit that can hang on the outside of a structure
If builders could incorporate solar harvesting into the siding of a building, the amount of energy from the grid that a structure would need may significantly decrease.
In research published recently in Renewable Energy, a team of researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, led by Diana-Andra Borca-Tasciuc, a professor of mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering, demonstrated the potential of wedge-shaped luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). These efficient modular solar units could easily be hung on the side of a building.
The LSCs considered in this study are made of transparent plastic with a film of photoluminescent particles on the back, similar to those used in LEDS. Solar cells mounted on the larger edge of the LSC convert energy captured from the sun into electric power. The way these devices capture and concentrate sunlight enhances the power that is produced by each unit of surface area within a solar cell.
Before now, this unique shape and construction had only shown promise in theory. In this research, the team took that a step further and tested how these LSCs could function within the lab. The researchers also used light data from the field to help predict annual energy production if the LSCs were to be hung on walls. Based on data from Albany, New York, and Phoenix, Arizona, the annual energy production predicted for these devices was up to 40% more than the annual energy produced by solar panels, when both are installed vertically.
“While this technology is not meant to replace solar panels, it expands our capacity to efficiently harvest solar energy in the built environment,” Borca-Tasciuc said. “It works well for vertical wall applications where a solar panel does not perform as well.”
“As the world transitions toward carbon neutrality, using vertical surfaces effectively for solar power harvesting will be a necessity for the solar industry,” said Duncan Smith, a doctoral student in mechanical engineering at Rensselaer. “Particularly in urban settings, the roof area of taller buildings is usually dedicated to HVAC equipment and cannot be used for solar panel installations. In these same buildings, however, there is extra room on the walls.”
The team is now looking to optimize the shape of the LSC and is exploring ways it could engineer surface properties to more efficiently capture and retain the light entering the device.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Solar harvesting
- How are field and harvest robots powered?
For tractors it is still obvious that they have a diesel tank. How about field and harvest robots? How are they powered?
- New doping strategy increases lead-free perovskite solar cell efficiency
An international research group has developed a solar cell based on a lead-free perovskite material known as Cs2AgBiBr6. The cell's absorber was doped with trans-polyacetylene, which reportedly helped ...
- Mesquite Launches Solar Eclipse Glasses Recycling Campaign Ahead of Future Cosmic Shows
Mesquite is collecting solar eclipse glasses for future events in partnership with Astronomers Without Borders until July 15.
- Japan outlines ambitious plans for space-based solar station: 'Gearing up to test ... next year'
In recent years, humans have managed to harvest huge amounts of energy from the sun using solar panels installed on roofs, in fields, and even on water. But the next frontier for solar energy is one ...
- Trina Solar Brings Advanced Solar Innovations to Vietnam, Demonstrates Commitment to Empowering Renewable Sector
Trina Solar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, has been steadily ramping up production at its manufacturing facility in northern Vietnam, demonstrating its commitment to the ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Solar harvesting
[google_news title=”” keyword=”solar harvesting” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Luminescent solar concentrators
- Best Solar Companies Of 2024
We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. With the freshly updated 30% federal tax credit, a decrease of over 40% in ...
- How much do solar panels cost in 2024?
How much does it cost to install solar panels? Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. The cost per watt is what you pay ...
- The Best Solar Generators for at Home or On the Go, Tested
Also called solar “power stations,” solar generators feature high-capacity batteries that store energy that can be used to power appliances and digital devices. Unlike traditional generators ...
- 10 Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators Of 2024
Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board.
- Reimagining the future of solar energy
More information: Tomi K. Baikie et al, Revealing the potential of luminescent solar concentrators in real-world environments, Joule (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2024.01.018 ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Luminescent solar concentrators
[google_news title=”” keyword=”luminescent solar concentrators” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]