Solar is already the world’s fastest-growing energy technology. It is cost-efficient and scalable and now, with new solar panel technologies, the future looks bright for renewable energy as it promises to improve efficiency and lower costs further.
Here are five solar technologies that are likely to impact the solar industry.
Floating Solar Farms
Floating solar farms, also known as floatovoltaics, are a new and efficient way of solar plant installations on ponds, lakes, and man-made dam reservoirs instead of being fixed on the ground. They not only offer greater efficiency but also cost less to install than traditional land-based solar panels. Floatovoltaics can help generate large amounts of electricity without taking up valuable real estate, produce clean solar power, and prevent noxious algae production (which reduces water treatment costs), among other things. Also, the power production of floatovoltaics is high because floating solar panels are surrounded by water bodies which act as natural coolants improving efficiency rates and minimising energy waste.
BIPV Solar Technology
BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaics) systems comprise photovoltaic (PV) materials that can be integrated into the structure of a building such as roofs, skylights, canopies, curtain walls, or facades, during the initial construction. BIPV solar technology has two purposes — while it serves as the outer layer of a building/structure and generates electricity for onsite use, it also exports electricity to the power grid so that it can be utilised later. BIPV installations significantly reduce operational carbon emissions of buildings, produce on-site clean electricity without additional land area, enhance the visual appearance of buildings, and reduce electricity consumption.
Solar Skin
Conscious homeowners, who feel that solar panels interfere with their home’s aesthetic appeal, can now go green with solar skins. This PV technology uses selective light filtration so that the sunlight is filtered and reached the solar cells beneath. Not only homes, solar skins can work well for businesses and offices too – they are customisable and display anything you want, be it a type of roof or logos, advertisements, and flags. With a rail-less racking system and fine finish, solar skins are aesthetically pleasing.
Solar Fabric
Solar fabric technology combines flexible solar panels with fabric to create a canopy that generates electricity when exposed to light. When PV cells are embedded into your t-shirts, stoles, winter coats, or other garments, it will not just keep you warm, but also power your phone and supply energy for other needs while you’re on the move. With development and advancement of solar fabric technology, it will help save on installation costs and solar panel mounting.
PVNB Technology
The PVNB (photovoltaic solar noise barriers) are technologies that aim to lower noise levels, shield sensitive receptors from noise generated by road traffic and produce clean and sustainable energy. This technology can help with soundproofing (especially areas near railway and road infrastructure), light transmission, resisting weathering and UV rays, and generating energy sustainably. Would you like to know how you can use solar energy to your advantage? We, at VEMCO Solar would be glad to assist you. Be it solar plant erection, procurement, commissioning, net metering, electrical connections, or anything related to solar, we will be the right partners for you! Guided by the knowledge gained by VEMC over 72 years, our aim is to be by your side at every step of the way. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. Depending on your requirement, we provide off-grid, on-grid and hybrid solar system solutions as well. Please feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445.