Richard Evans Day, William Grylls Adams and others discovered in 1876 that selenium emits electricity when exposed to light. They didn’t produce much power, but at least they proved that solar energy is possible.
Solar panel technology has evolved a lot since then!
We’ll look at a new solar panel innovation: panels that do not require direct sunlight in order to produce energy.
These solar panels don’t need sunlight.
It’s a little misleading to say that solar panels do not need sunlight. The new solar panel technology uses the ultraviolet (UV), which clouds block. These panels can generate energy even when it’s overcast.
Carvey Ehren Maigue is a Mapua University student from the Philippines. He won the Sustainability Award for the James Dyson Prize 2020. He was inspired by the Northern Lights while developing the technology. The name AuREUS is derived from the “aurora borealis.”
Maigue created his luminescent particles using wastes from fruits and vegetables. These particles absorb UV light from the sun and then turn it into visible light.
Maigue then used these particles to make a film that absorbs UV radiation. The solar cinema converts the UV rays to light, which then generates energy.
This solar film can generate electricity even when there is a cloudy sky. The film can generate power for longer periods each year. It not only produces more power but also reduces global waste.
AuREUS is designed to provide enough power to self-sustain buildings.
Why go solar?
Installing solar panels at home has become more popular in recent years. Not only do they reduce your utility bills, but they also help to conserve the environment by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Not to mention energy security.
Solar energy is one of the best options to power your home.
Solar panel systems are easy to maintain, so the biggest investment you can make is in their initial installation. Solar panel systems also increase the value of your home. Solar panels are becoming a more popular choice for potential buyers.
This new solar panel technology represents a breakthrough in both renewable energy and waste reduction. AuREUS may not be ready for commercial use yet, but it is a positive step. We can always improve the existing technology.