‍Solar energy is widely considered to be the future of renewable energy. Solar panels are now cheaper and more efficient than ever before, and solar energy could feasibly meet a majority of the world’s energy needs by 2050. But solar power has its limitations. Solar panels can only generate electricity during daylight hours, which means that solar power is most effective in locations with long, sunny summers. As a result, there are some inherent limitations to solar as a stand-alone renewable source of energy. Technology innovation is an important factor in helping solar reach new heights. There are many emerging solar technologies that may prove to be game changers for the energy industry. Here are 9 emerging solar technologies that may be game changers for the energy industry:

Micro-cogeneration

Micro-cogeneration is the simultaneous production of electricity and another form of useful thermal energy, such as heat or steam. Micro-cogeneration is used in many places where electricity is used, such as commercial buildings, university campuses, and large manufacturing plants. This technology is particularly useful for solar energy because it allows energy to be produced on-site, reducing transmission losses and increasing efficiency. Micro-cogeneration systems use a variety of different heat and electricity producing sources, including solar panels, biomass, and fossil fuels. Because solar panels can be combined with other energy sources, they are often used in micro-cogeneration systems.

Ground-based solar panels

Ground-based solar panels are solar panels that are mounted on the ground rather than on rooftops. Ground-based solar panels work best in sunny, dry areas with little vegetation, such as deserts. Ground-based solar panels are becoming more popular because they are a less expensive option than rooftop solar. This technology is particularly useful in areas that are too cloudy or rainy to support rooftop panels. Ground-based panels can also be placed in wide open spaces that are not appropriate for rooftop panels, such as grazing fields or desert plains.

Uni-directional windows

Uni-directional windows are windows that are designed to be more transparent to light coming in from the sun than light coming out from inside a building. This type of window can increase the amount of sunlight inside a building by as much as 50%, which can help reduce the need for electricity during the day. Uni-directional windows could be a game changer for solar energy because they are a relatively easy and inexpensive way to increase sunlight inside a building. Because less light is escaping from inside a building, there is less need for artificial lighting. This translates to saving energy and reducing electricity costs.

3D printed solar equipment

3D printed solar equipment is a type of solar technology that is printed with a 3D printer. Using 3D printing technology to produce some parts and components for solar equipment can help reduce the cost of these materials. Because solar equipment can be printed using less expensive materials, 3D printed solar equipment could help solar technology reach lower-income households and developing countries.

Self-assembling nanomaterials

Self-assembling nanomaterials are engineered materials that are able to self-assemble into different structures for different purposes. One such nanomaterial is a new type of solar cell that can be built with fewer materials and at a lower cost than silicon-based solar cells. This technology could be a game changer for solar energy because it could make it easier to build large solar panels with fewer materials. Large solar farms are more cost-effective than small solar panels, but they are harder to build. Because this technology can be built with fewer materials, it could help make large solar farms easier to construct.

Nano crystal growth

Nano crystal growth is a process in which nanocrystals are grown to produce large amounts of high-quality crystals. This technology is used in solar panels to create high-efficiency cells that generate more electricity from sunlight than traditional silicon panels. Nano crystal growth could be a game changer for solar energy because it could help boost the efficiency of solar panels. More efficient solar panels could produce more electricity from less sunlight, which means lower costs for homeowners and businesses. Lower costs for solar panels could make this renewable source of energy more accessible to lower-income households and developing countries.

Advancements in storage technology

Advances in storage technology could make it easier to store energy generated by solar power plants for later use. Battery technology is one type of storage technology that is currently being explored by researchers. Battery technology is currently being improved to increase the amount of electricity that can be stored in a single battery. Another storage technology being explored is the use of molten salt, which can be heated to produce electricity when it is needed. Other storage technologies include charging systems, energy grids, and hydrogen fuel cells.

Robotics and automation

Robotics and automation are technologies that can help make solar panel installation faster and more efficient. Automated systems, such as robots, can help install panels faster and more accurately, which could lower the cost of installation. Automated systems also have the potential to reduce human error that can lead to faulty installations. This could help prevent equipment failure and improve the lifespan of solar panels. Robotics could also be used to repair faulty panels, which could significantly reduce the amount of maintenance solar panels require.

Computer-aided solar panel installations

Computer-aided solar panel installations are systems that can guide solar panels as they are being installed. This technology can help ensure that panels are installed correctly and lead to fewer faulty installations. Computer-aided solar panel installations could be a game changer for the solar industry because they could make the installation process easier and more efficient. Installation costs could be lowered by making the installation process more accurate.

Conclusion

As the world continues to transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy, solar energy is widely considered to be the future of renewable energy. Solar panels are now cheaper and more efficient than ever before, and solar energy could feasibly meet a majority of the world’s energy needs by 2050. But solar power has its limitations, such as a reduced ability to generate energy on cloudy days. Technology innovation is an important factor in helping solar reach new heights. There are many emerging solar technologies that may prove to be game changers for the energy industry and these are just a few.