A team of researchers from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia has developed a revolutionary composite material that significantly enhances the performance and durability of solar panels.
This coating, made with acrylic polymer and lithium chloride, has hygroscopic capacity, allowing it to:
- Absorb moisture from the night air.
- Release water during the day, cooling the panels without consuming additional energy.
Key features of the technology
- No fans or pumps required.
- Simple manufacturing process, free of toxic chemicals.
- Compatible with existing solar systems, no structural modifications needed.
Promising results in solar panels
During weeks of operation in the Saudi desert, panels with this coating remained 9.4°C cooler than conventional ones, resulting in:
- 12% more electrical production.
- 200% increase in lifespan.
- 20% decrease in generation costs.
Tests in cold and humid areas of the U.S. confirmed that the technology works in various climates, establishing it as a globally adaptable solution.
Impact on energy sustainability
Professor Qiaoqiang Gan, project leader, explained that his team focuses on passive cooling materials, applicable also in:
- Greenhouses.
- Electronic devices.
Collaboration with the laboratory of Stefaan De Wolf, an expert in photovoltaic efficiency, allowed the validation of the technology under extreme conditions.
Environmental benefits and solar energy expansion
The implementation of this coating:
- Reduces the frequent replacement of solar panels, minimizing electronic waste.
- Facilitates installation in extreme climates where it was previously unfeasible.
- Decreases reliance on active cooling systems, reducing energy consumption.
- Substitutes polluting materials, such as asbestos, in industrial thermal applications.
This advancement optimizes solar energy, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable, bringing us closer to a cleaner and more enduring energy future.
