Alright, so this could be big. Researchers at the University of Texas have developed a method to create photovoltaic (PV) panels at one tenth the cost of existing technologies, using nano-particle “inks” to extract energy from the sun.
Brian Korgel, the group leader, predicts that this technology would allow solar panels to be painted on rooftops and the sides of buildings in three to five years. At this moment, painted on technologies can only boast 1/25th of the efficiency of conventional panels, but the continued proliferation of nano-tech promises rapid improvements. I find this a very exciting innovation, as the biggest obstacle to solar energy is the prohibitively high cost. Even if the efficiency never equals conventional PV panels, the low cost and high application possibilities means that this technology could be a major step in the direction of energy sustainability.
The prospect of a building being fueled by the paint on its walls gets me all sorts of excited, and I will be following this technology with great interest.
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Very interesting. Keep more info coming.
I’m personally working on developing an exercise machine that produces electricity while being used!