Biomimicry Solar Panels

Several new cutting edge research project are looking at biomimetic solutions to solar s nagging problems.

Biomimicry solar panels.

With today s announcement mit researchers have hit upon a simple inexpensive highly efficient process for storing solar energy. How they work is in through the use of small flexible solar cells which mimic leaves. In such a solar plant an array of mirrors redirects the light to a central point where the rays are converted to electricity. Current sun tracking solar panels involve the use of motors and electronic control systems but we believe a biomimetic heliotropic solar panel can be created with the use of alternative materials and designs.

The concept of imitating natural systems in the built environment is known as biomimicry and it holds great promise for advancements in many areas of technology including solar. Practically the heliotropic solar panel could be useful in developing areas where motor based sun tracking panels are not affordable. The wings of a butterfly have inspired a new type of solar cell that can harvest light twice as efficiently as before and could one day improve our solar panels. By combining photovoltaic technology and piezoelectrics solar ivy s patent pending system continues innovation in the realm of biomimicry and it is a further challenge to our notions of the potential limits of solar power.

Turns out some researchers at mit have used biomimicry to make a potentially huge breakthrough in developing next gen solar energy systems. The researchers discovered that a design inspired by. When the solar concentrator is placed next to a thin film solar panel the printed area reflects the uv light on the panel increasing the current produced. Solar panels are usually made of.

Plastic solar panels imitate photosynthesis.