The limits of solar energy systems are expanding. You may think you know where solar is going, but we think you’d be surprised by some of the latest advancements in our industry. Let O3 Energy walk you through where solar is headed next.
The Newest Solar Panel Technology Is Leaving Roofs Behind
At this point, the general public is used to seeing solar panels across rooftops and even utility-scale solar arrays that take up whole fields. However, the new solar panel technology is going to transform the places we see solar in the future. The price of solar energy systems installation continues to drop as their energy efficiency continues to climb, but the appearance of panel arrays have continued to look basically the same for many years.
In the near future, we’re going beyond the limitations of rooftops and pieces of land. Some of the advancements we’re going to highlight in this blog are already being put into practice while others are still in development. The point is solar collection and energy storage is changing across the world and O3 Energy is here to keep you informed on the latest.
Solar Skins: An Innovation of Solar Panels Display
The thin film referred to as solar skins are a new piece of solar PV technology that changes how we can make the most of the solar panels. Sistine, the manufacturer of solar skins, is currently in the testing phase of maximizing their efficiency. With solar skins, you’ll be able to cover already mounted solar panels in a thin film that selectively filters light through it while displaying a custom image on their exterior.
The custom image can match your existing building, your landscaping, or display advertising like a company logo and advertisements. You can think of it as similar to billboards or wraparound ads on city buses, but with renewable energy hidden beneath. Some people have resisted the benefits of solar panels due to their outward appearance, but these skins remove that concern and add a whole new benefit to your energy array.
One of the Latest Developments in Solar Panel Placement
As we said above, most people are familiar with solar panels on roofs and in utility-scale fields. As silicone panels become cheaper, there have been new leaps forward in solar applications. A new report shines a light on the applications for placing solar panel arrays on large bodies of water like reservoirs, dams, and even the ocean.
These floating solar farm arrays have the potential to generate an exceptional amount of power without taking up any real estate on land. The same research shows that solar energy harvesting is as much as 10% higher on the water. This happens because water has a cooling effect on the panels and solar cells.
Combining Renewable Energy and Noise Pollution Control
In major cities, the noise pollution from heavily-trafficked highways is a constant annoyance. Over the past several years, 48 states have already installed almost 3,000 miles of traffic noise barriers to prevent this annoyance from negatively impacting business and residential living. Now, the US Department of Energy is seeing an all new opportunity to do more with these traffic noise barriers. Combining solar power generation with the thousands of miles of noise barriers presents the chance to generate around 400 gigawatt hours every year.
Ready to learn more about the PACE Solar program? Go in-depth with our blog on the process and how we can get you started today.
Make Harnessing Solar Part of Your Daily Life
Ever wanted to take advantage of solar power while you’re walking around? Now it’s more possible than ever. Developers are working on wearable technology and solar fabrics that can be embedded in clothing like shirts and winter coats. This technology could keep you warm in the winter, charge your smartphone, and even more.
The applications for the solar fabrics like this are nearly endless. They are looking at solar tent fabric for the military or camping hobbyists. The awnings on buildings could be used to power streetlights. The curtains hanging in your windows could start capturing that sunlight and converting it to power for your home or business.
Solar Energy Is Changing, but Our Commitment to Turnkey Services Remains the Same
O3 Energy is equipped with the knowledge and experience to be your turnkey provider for every solar energy system under the sun. We’ve made safety, value, and sustainability our primary goals since the beginning and that has not changed. We adapt to the times and new technology like the rest of the solar industry, but you can rest assured that O3 Energy’s dedication to customer service never falters.
To learn more about the new advances in solar technology and how O3 Energy makes it easy to develop solar systems, contact us today.
