What is the latest in solar technology?

The solar revolution will require technological innovation to remain competitive as a power source. At first, solar panels were not efficient and could not produce enough energy to be universally implemented. Technological innovations in solar power generation are motivating inventors all over the world. Solar energy is in a constant state of innovation, with new improvements in solar panel technology announced on a regular basis. In the past year, for instance, there have been milestones in solar efficiency, solar power storage, wearable solar tech, and solar design tech. Solar energy gives a large range of opportunities for technical innovation. Here are some of the latest solar panel technologies for 2018:

Solar skin and solar shingles mimic your roof's appearance

One obstacle for the solar industry is that some homeowners consider solar panels to be a homely addition to their roof. Fortunately, due to another innovation, one new trial has a solution. Sistine Solar, a Boston-based design firm, is making great strides with the concept of aesthetic enhancement that enables solar panels to have a customized appearance. The MIT startup company has created a “solar skin” product that makes it feasible for solar panels to mimic the look of a roof without conflicting with panel efficiency or production. Sistine Solar’s skin product is expected to hit U.S. markets this year and will help to rebrand solar panels as a luxury niche product, not simply an environmental upgrade.

Solar powered roads are taking shape

Tests are underway of an interesting new solar technology – solar powered roads. The sidewalks along Route 66, America’s historic highway, were chosen as the testing site for solar-powered pavement tech. These roadways are heralded for their inclination to generate clean energy, but they also include LED bulbs that can illuminate roads at night and possess the thermal heating capacity to melt snow during cold weather. The next stop following sidewalk tests is to install these roadways on designated portions of Route 66.

Wearable solar devices are becoming reality

Wearable solar devices are actually nothing new (solar-powered watches and other gadgets have been on the market for several years), but there has been innovation in solar textiles. For instance, miniature solar panels can now be sewn into clothing. Wearable solar products of the past, like solar-powered watches, have normally been made with the hard plastic material. The new textile concept makes it possible for solar to grow into commonly used products like window curtains and consumer “clean gadgets” like heated car seats.

Solar water purifiers making noise

A new device developed by Stanford University researchers can filter water when exposed to sunlight.  The tiny tablet (about half the size of a postage stamp) is not the first solar device to filter water, but this new gadget has made significant strides in efficiency compared to past inventions. Before this, purifier designs needed to gather UV rays and required hours of sun exposure to completely purify water.

All this technological advancement means only one thing. Now has never been a better time to install a solar energy system! Considering the financial advantages, installing solar energy can "scratch a number of itches." Not only will you be doing your part to reverse climate change, but you will generate your own power, free from the limitations of the electrical grid. In some cases, you may be able to sell surplus energy back to your utility entity.

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.

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