UK University researchers have been working with the steel industry to create a “solar paint”, where solar cells are applied to sheets of steel. Production of this solar paint is set to begin very shortly. With the power conversion efficiency reported above 10 percent, the potential energy generation of this new technology is staggering. “If the solar cell paint can be successfully brought to the market, it could spell big changes when it comes to the future production of electricity,” said Steve Fisher of the Corus Group, a European steel manufacturer.

What is solar paint?

In a recent article in ScienceDaily.com dated March 2008, two scientists working in the Materials Research Centre at Swansea University in Wales, Dr. Dave Worsley and Dr. Tristan Watson, discovered that rolling thin layers of solar cell infused paint on steel led to the discovery of a new way of encapsulating solar power. The researchers have been concentrating most of their efforts on making steel more durable and resistant to corrosion. Part of Worsley and Watson’s research also centers on how paint is damaged by sunlight and what can be done about it.

The method of applying solar paint occurs during the manufacturing process of steel when a thin layer of solar cells is applied via rollers. The flexible steel grids can be horizontal in a field, or attached to buildings and homes. As the solar paint absorbs heat from the sun it creates an actual electrical current which generates power for batteries, telephones, and other equipment.

The promise of solar paint

One of the benefits of modern solar powered thin cell paint is that it produces higher levels of energy over its life than it took to create them. Meaning, ten years ago, it took more energy to manufacture a solar cell grid than was “paid back” in energy usage. Another benefit is that a thin celled painted grid may have a life of 20 to 30 years with little or no harm to the environment. Currently, multiple expensive solar panel grids are necessary to supply enough energy for homes and other buildings. Research continues to develop solar paint with even higher wattage and efficiency at more cost effective levels. As solar paint becomes a more viable source of power, along with the global necessity of finding cheap alternative sources of energy - you may soon find the science of Photovoltaics right in your own backyard. For more information, or to read other related articles please visit www.sciencedaily.com/releases . Swansea University (2008, March 10). Colorful Idea Sparks Renewable Electricity From Painting Solar Cells. ScienceDaily. Retrieved. And: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell

What is photovoltaics?

The field of Photovoltaics (PV), also used in space exploration, studies how solar cells may be used to create electrical energy power from the sun. The excitement about Photovoltaics stems from the current demand for cheap energy sources. Most people are familiar with the idea that solar energy can be tapped with less environmental impact - making it one of the most important and vigorously studied technologies in recent years.