UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, PENNSYLVANIA, USA. Water-resistant solar panel coatings have been recently developed by an ambitious professor in UPenn. It is aimed to be used on solar panels to make it last longer. Right now, most solar panels are openly exposed to the different elements that actually decrease the efficiency of the solar panels. That is because of accumulated dirt and moisture which is rarely cleaned after directly being exposed to the elements. Holographic lithography was used to create a material that mimics the water-resistant and iridescent qualities of butterfly wings. This method will keep the solar panels free from any unwanted build up.
Shu Yang is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and he is also the creator of the magnificent technology. The inspiration behind this study is simple. Just like butterfly wings, the new coatings will make it almost impossible for moisture and dirt to accumulate on the solar panel surface. That is because of the reflective properties of the coating recreated with holographic lithography.
On a material called photoresist, they used laser to create a 3D cross-linked pattern. After a solvent washes away all the untouched photoresist, it creates the 3D structure which then affects light to create the color effects. To make the surface rougher for a water-resistant effect, a poorer solvent is applied.
| Invention | Water-resistant Solar Panel Coatings |
|---|---|
| Organization | University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Researcher | Shu Yang |
| Field(s) | Renewable Energy, Green Energy, Solar Power, Biomimicry, Water-Resistant Solar Panel Coatings |
| Further Information | Inhabitat |
