Fast read
Printed solar is a new technology for printing solar ink onto recyclable plastic sheets. The technology represents an exciting avenue for renewable energy and a step towards a sustainable energy system.
This technology is showcased at "The Canopy," in Lane Cove NSW powering an interactive art display.
Advantages:
- It offers advantages such as low cost, easy installation, and adaptability to different surfaces.
- The system can be rolled up, transported, and installed on most surfaces.
Disadvantages:
- Challenges remain in terms of efficiency, durability, and scalability.
So this new development has the potential to revolutionise the solar industry but it still needs further development.
What is printed solar?
What is going on? Printed Solar? Yes, you are correct; it is precisely as it sounds.
One of the latest inventions in the renewable energy industry may change how we see solar installation and use forever. However, we had many questions about the effectiveness, durability and cost, so we had to find out more!
How does printed solar work?
We spoke to Kardinia Energy at the 2021 Smart Energy Conference and Expo to learn more. Their system, invented by their Co-Founder and CSO Professor Paul Dastoor, is produced by printing semi-conducting inks on recyclable polyester plastic sheets some of them made from old Coca-Cola bottles! Then, the UV blocker is painted onto the panels.
Following production, the solar can be rolled up, transported and easily installed on most surfaces, suiting the shape of a structure and being adjusted based on access to sunlight.
Why does this have so much potential?
Considering this system relies on minimal materials, it is cheap and easily replaceable, costing just $10 per square metre! Moreover, it can be mass-produced, yet components can be reused.
It removes the lengthy process of installing costly traditional panels and worrying about their damage or longevity. Instead, the quick install saves you all the hassle.
If you want to learn more about the cost factors of your solar system you can read our article here:
Sounds too good to be true! But what are the downsides?
It is important to note that, like any emerging technology, there are still challenges to overcome, such as improving efficiency, durability, and scalability.
We still have some unanswered questions relating to current issues of its long-term durability. In addition, it has only recently started to be utilised. So we are yet to know whether saving money in the cost of materials and installation will continue to save you money over an extended period and also what the waste aspects will be with the end-of-life journey.
The performance poses another limitation, as printed solar cells have lower efficiency than traditional silicon-based solar panels. This means that printed solar cannot produce as much power as conventional solar cells at this stage. if installed on the same square meter area.
As the technology continues developing, the inventors hope to see an increase in durability and efficiency. Pairing this with an improved production process and increasing its scalability, one can hope to see printed solar as a much more attractive option for residential and commercial installations.
Where can we currently observe this unique technology?
“The Canopy”, next to the Lane Cove (NSW) shops, is a new public space and art installation. It is currently the only public place where this printed solar can be observed and is a fantastic spot and incredibly innovative. This is demonstrated through using these printed panels to power an interactive art display in the evenings.
It is a very vibrant area, redefining the way we observe solar energy! Paul Dastoor and his team have used these panels in this space, changing the perception of solar from simply its utility to a more artistic representation.
It is very cool to see this technology used by our local councils and it demonstrates that we are making essential steps in the right direction for the advancement of solar technology.
The future of printed solar
With this new invention showing promise in the solar energy industry, we are waiting to see how it does over the next few years.
Overall, printed solar has the potential to be a major breakthrough in the solar industry. It is cheaper, more flexible, and easier to install than traditional solar panels. However, some reasonable hurdles must be overcome before printed solar becomes mainstream.
Will the convenience of this system take over the solar industry, or will its limited lifespan cause more long-term detriments than the initial financial savings?
It is too early to say for sure. However, we can say that printed solar represents an exciting avenue for renewable energy and has the potential to play a significant role in our movement towards a more sustainable energy system.
