Future of Solar Technology - Solar Technology in 2021- 2030

1. FUTURE OF SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

2. Solar panel technology evolved a lot since the 1960s when Bell Laboratories developed the first solar panel. This technology has now been in the market for a long time and is trending even more every day. However, solar technology has improved a lot, and they are mind-blowing as well. Some of the most advanced techs have arrived in the market, and some of them are in the testing phase, but one thing is sure, tomorrow holds astonishing developments in solar energy that will transform the whole concept of energy production. Premier Energy is enthusiastically working to bring the newest technology to Pakistan as it has always does in the past so we can revolutionize the energy sector in Pakistan.

3. HOW DOES SOLAR TECHNOLOGY WORKS

4. A solar panel consists of a layer of silicon cells, an alloy frame, a glass casing, and wires that transfer electric current from the silicon. Silicon is a nonmetal with conductive qualities that allow it to assimilate and convert sunlight into usable electricity by releasing its electrons. This phenomenon is known as the “photovoltaic effect,” and it explains the generic functionality of solar panel technology. • The whole process of energy generation has the following broad steps: • The silicon photovoltaic solar cell absorbs radiations from the Sun • When the solar rays interact with the semiconductor, the loose electrons gain energy and begin to move, creating an electric current • The electric current is in the form of Direct Current (DC), which the wires capture and feed to a solar inverter that converts it to alternating current (AC) usable by the appliances

5. LATEST SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

6. Anti-Solar Panels

7. Floating Solar Farms • The floating solar farms are a reality now and installed at various locations. These floating photovoltaic panels jokingly called “floatovoltaics” have proved to be more beneficial than the regular solar panels in the following ways: • They produce almost 10% more electricity than regular ones • They cover the water thus, preventing loss of water through evaporation • The water provides a cooling effect, which reduces energy loss due to heat and helps panels work more efficiently • They also prevent the formation of algae, which helps cut the cost of water treatment

8. Solar Skin The solar skins are solar panels designed to give a particular texture and tone that matches the roof texture and can also render the desired look. For example, a rooftop solar panels system will show the appearance of the roof and will look just like the roof upon seeing from a distance. This technology is under development to increase the efficiency of the panels and in use at some places as well. Upon further development, these will provide a new prospect to the energy generation system of the world.

9. Solar Fabric • As the name suggests, these are fabrics that generate electricity from solar energy. For a second, it may sound unbelievable. However, canopies made from solar clothes are in use at various parking lots. Some winter garments have solar cells embedded in them that help you stay warmer in the cold season, and you can charge your phone through them. There are many fields in which researchers are trying to combine various fabrics with solar panels, which include but are not limited to: • Building facades • Canopies • Drapes

10. Solar Roads • The solar roads are solar technology combined with roads so they can bear the weight of cars and trucks while producing energy. This is a new technology that is in the testing phase, and experiments conducted on the footpaths of America’s famous Route 66 are an example. These roads can produce electricity and utilize it to light up the streetlamps. These panels can also absorb sunlight to melt the snow off the roadways. The technology has not yet developed to such an extent that it can be mass-produced and used.  • The obstacles that are hindering the full-scale application of these products as follows: • They are very costly, and even replacing few roadways with the prototypes can cost trillions of dollars • Cars and trucks are heavy, so these roads need to be highly enduring • Even if the endurance problem is solved, the glassy roadways will not be the best option to drive during the rainstorm • The solar panels are usually placed at a tilted angle to capture maximum sunlight, but the solar roads have to lie flat, which won’t give optimum production • Compared to the US, China has achieved better results in its solar roadways experimentation.

11. Bi Facial Solar Panels • The bifacial solar panels can produce electricity from both the front and the rear surfaces of the solar panels. The reason is that the manufacturing material of the dorsal side is an AI grid or AI fingers that make it translucent thus, allowing the panels to generate electricity from the reflected sunlight. The volume of electricity generated depends on the following factors: • The material of the surface from reflecting the sunlight • The weather conditions because if it is cloudy, the solar panels won’t be as productive • The azimuth angle of the placement

12. Use of MgCl & CdTe The component which the manufacturers use in the production of solar panels is an expensive element, Silicon. The innovation in technology has decreased the price to a significant extent as the prices of solar panels have come down by 99% over the past few decades. The researchers are working on finding different cheaper elements that they can use in place of Silicon. Many researchers are using Magnesium chloride as it is readily available in seawater, which makes it cheaper. It means that solar technology will get more affordable for buyers with the introduction of other semi conductors.

13. Space Solar It does not refer to solar panels on satellites that power them. This solar technology will use space satellites with solar panels to generate electricity and dispatch it to the Earth via specialized antennas, which the distribution centers will transfer to consumers. If proved successful, this technology can utilize 99% of the Sun’s energy because we can position satellites to capture maximum sunlight all the time.

14. Anti-Solar Panels Solar panels produce electricity in the presence of sunlight, but when it is night time, the generation of electricity comes to an end. The researchers are finding a solution to this problem and a proposal is to use Silicon in a reverse process. These cells are called thermoradiative cells. Unlike the regular photovoltaic cells, these thermoradiative cells release the radiations at night, which create a gap in the electrons of Silicon, resulting in the flow of current. Currently, these night solar panels produce up to 50 watts per square meter, which is a quarter of the total energy produced during the day. Also, this idea is in the proposal phase, and the experimentation to create the device is being conducted.

15. The Final Thought Solar technology has evolved a lot, and still, a lot of research is undergoing to discover new technologies that will revolutionize the whole energy generation notion in the world. Premier Energy came to being as a neoteric organization committed to make Pakistan energy independent through transforming the energy sector in Pakistan. We will see many of these improvements in solar tech become a reality, and some of them will be left unattainable. The thing that will not change is that solar energy will save the Earth because it can help us combat environmental degradation and other similar phenomenon.