Normal windows in newer buildings are a weak spot regarding energy efficiency. Upgrading normal glass to the new transparent solar panels will decrease energy loss and use natural daylight when possible generating renewable energy also.
Obama’s national energy policy, transparent glass solar panels opens a new road of converting older, outdated buildings into renewable energy sources.
An example of invisible solar cells was produced by a public-private partnership of New Energy Technologies and National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
This new technology appeared in 2011, based on New Energy Technologies (NET) the coating is build from “world’s smallest functional organic solar cells”. Instead of depending on silicon, the cells are powered with affordable hydrogen-carbon components.
This technique showed promise, but to be used by the average homeowner and larger buildings, it had to be scaled up and the price lowered down, so National Renewable Energy Laboratory and New Energy Technologies made an agreement to achieve this goal.
So in 2012 they have succeeded in producing a see-through solar cell around 26 inches. Comparing to previous modules it was 14 times smaller.
They are also working on adapting these solar panels with flexible surfaces and tinted materials.
Benefits of Solar Coatings
They will not achieve a worldwide replacement of normal panels but surely the prices of producing these will be cut down significantly.
Generally the advantages of this new technology will be the versatility of surfaces where it could be integrated. NET is planning on several solutions for family homes and big industrial structures (new buildings and replacement windows), products with solar capabilities, film for tinted-glass, curtain walls for higher structures.
This new policy redirects engineers to focus on developing new ways of energy efficient sources.
Manufacturing process doesn’t differ from the original one, it could be painted, sprayed or added to areas with lower costs.
This cooperation NET, NREL and Obama’s Better Building Initiative help and support business to attain new energy sources, renewable energy sources.
The policy of the U.S. is always to take care of its citizens and support new energy sources. This being a good example of healthy government principle, not only a political orientation where fossil fuels are involved.
As for fossil fuel procedures they always come with a high price, decreasing the quality of life, unhealthy local communities. Clearly fossil fuels are not an advantageous way to obtain energy and have added many problems for the climate change and global warming.
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