The solar industry has seen steady growth in India over the last few years thanks to its promise of being clean, green, and renewable. The solar industry has seen a significant increase in investment and return value. The above trend has been largely influenced by technological innovation. Solar panels are now being installed on rooftops in homes and offices. Solar panels are a good investment because of their high returns, due in part to their increased efficiency. Recent innovations in the solar sector also point to a brighter future. What lies ahead?
Future of Solar Energy
Understanding the challenges and current state of the solar industry is essential to understanding the Future. As of today, the most efficient photovoltaic silicon-based panels offer 16-18% efficiency. It means that much of the radiation is not used to produce energy. Researchers and scientists are therefore focusing on improving the efficiency of solar panels.
Here are some of these upcoming technologies which will revolutionize the solar industry over the next few years:
Perovskite Solar Cells
Scientists are testing materials other than silicon to improve the performance of solar panels. For example, researchers from China and Australia have developed a new solar cell capable of achieving up to 35% efficiency. For this purpose, they are using a crystal structure known as perovskite. Researchers claim that these solar cells can be easily manufactured as the process of obtaining pure silica is eliminated.
Bio Solar Cells
Bio solar cells were created due to an innovative idea to convert solar radiation into electricity. Researchers are trying to use the photosynthesis process to produce fuels or electricity through bio solar cells. These cells are also made from biological materials found in nature. Bio solar cells are based on large protein complexes in plants and algae that convert energy.
Solar Windows
Solar windows consist of panels that use solar radiation for energy production and efficiency. Solar windows have become popular because they are a simple solution for the energy needs of buildings and homes. Organizations are also using organic photovoltaics to create see-through windows. PV technology is evolving to convert skyscrapers and buildings into power generators.
Solar Desalination
Solar desalination is one of the unconventional uses for solar energy. Solar desalination is a process that uses solar-thermal power to produce freshwater out of unusable bodies of water such as brackish, seawater, and other contaminated waters. Solar-thermal desalination will require less capital investment and produce better results.
Solar Energy: Scope and Applications
India and the rest of the world will eventually switch to renewable energy sources to meet their ever-increasing needs. Solar energy is expected to lead the way, according to current trends. Solar energy has vast potential in a country such as India. As a tropical nation, India has solar radiation available throughout the year. Due to their geographical location, states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and West Bengal can harness solar energy. Solar energy can also reduce the demand for scarce conventional energy sources. Solar solutions can help buyers save a lot on their energy bills.
Solar energy has a promising future, as the above developments show. Solar solutions are both financially feasible and viable options from the buyer’s point of view. It’s now time to prepare for a future powered by solar energy.