6 Examples of Revolutionary Solar Products of the 21^st Century

When we think of ‘Solar Power’ we imagine rooftops embedded with Solar Panels or thousands of Solar Panels in the vast desert. However, in this rapidly growing technological age, the Utilization of Solar Energy has expanded its boundaries. As the climate crisis is getting dangerous every passing minute, the world is shifting towards Green Energy from the Sun and trying to make its maximum usage. Here is a list of 7 creative ways the world is utilizing Solar Energy that will make you go ‘Wow’.

• Floatovoltaics

Singapore unveiled one of the world’s biggest Floatovoltaics last year, which spreads over an area as big as 45 football fields and produces enough power to power its 5 water treatment plants. These are Photovoltaic (PV) solar systems specifically developed to float on large water reservoirs. It could even help to reduce carbon emissions by about 32 kilotonnes every year. That is equal to keeping 7,500 cars off the roads. Researchers claim that power production of ‘Floatovoltaics’ can be higher up to 10% compared to normal Solar Panels because of the cooling effects of water. They can also reduce the evaporative loss of water, bringing down water treatment costs.

• Canal Solar Power Project

This 750m stretch of the solar project located in Gujarat, India shrewdly solves two problems at once. The strategically placed Solar Panels over the canals not only provide electricity but also prevent the evaporation of millions of liters of canal water every year during summer. With water shortages and inconsistent access to reliable energy being two major problems in this region, this innovative project appears to be one of the most creative applications of Solar Energy.

• Solar Wearables

Solar Wearable is a fabric with embedded photovoltaic (PV) cells that generate power when exposed to sunlight. You can track your fitness and activity levels, or keep your cell phone charged by wearing specific clothing. You don’t even need to carry a charger. Implanting Solar filaments into shirts, jackets, and all sorts of clothing can keep you warm, charge your phone, or provide energy to other portable devices.

• Night Solar Panels

It is very obvious that in the absence of Sunlight, Solar Panels can’t produce electricity at Night. But it’s not that obvious anymore! Scientists at the U.Cal. (USA) have developed a new type of Panel that can generate power at Night by capturing Infrared Light, which is produced by the thermal inclination between the Cell and the Atmosphere! Even though these Night Solar Panels only produce about 20% to 25% of the power produced by Regular daytime Solar Panels, it is still a lot of additional energy that can be added to the grid.

• Solar Roads

In December 2017, a new 1km stretch of road opened in Jinan, China that was built with Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels. Solar roads can generate clean energy, enlighten themselves at night, and melt excess ice during winter. Although building Solar Roads is costlier than building normal Asphalt Roads, it’s still inexpensive in comparison with the Solar Panel Construction costs overall in long run. Studies say that these could also pay for themselves in energy following 15 years.

• Solar Automobiles

Electric vehicles and trucks inserted with Photovoltaic Cells can convert sunlight into electricity. Storing Solar Energy in batteries enables them to work properly even at night or during low sunlight. The solar roof of the vehicles will catch sunlight constantly whether the vehicle is moving or not. Some companies are also looking forward to launching Solar Boats, and even Solar Planes at the extreme!

As the demand for less expensive, more sustainable energy grows, Solar companies will keep on finding ways of further developing Solar technologies and extending their battery lives. Advanced technologies will also give various design options for smaller and more powerful Solar Cells that can be used in more creative ways to make a switch towards a Sustainable and Green lifestyle.

Get in touch with Navitas Solar to make that step towards Sustainable Living. Please visit www.navitassolar.com for more information.