INSPIRATION
Solar companies are integrating PV systems with every aspect of our surroundings while minimizing the need for additional land usage. As a result, integrated PV, floatovoltaics,and agrivoltaics are logical shifts in trends. Additionally, startups are developing thin-film cells to make solar panels flexible, cost-effective, lightweight, and environment-friendly. To improve PV performance, emerging companies are devising
technologies to concentrate solar power using mirrors and lenses. Innovations in PV materials, such as the use of perovskite, are increasing energy conversion multifold. These innovations are further coupled with photovoltaic designs that enable maximum efficiency and high productivity. Together,these solutions also promote sustainability through recycling,minimum resource utilization, and the use of alternate materials.
Dutch startup Lusoco develops a luminescent solar concentrator technology. It uses high refractive index materials like glasses and polymers along with fluorescent ink to concentrate light to the edges where thin-film solar cells are placed. Moreover, the fluorescent coating also emits light during the night, enabling self-sustainable signages. The solution harvests energy while maintaining the aesthetics. The luminescent glasses are hence suitable for use in automotive,signages, and interior designing.
Norwegian Crystals is a Norwegian startup that manufactures low carbon monocrystalline silicon ingots for high-performance photovoltaic devices. To produce these ingots, the startup melts high-purity silicon at high temperatures using the Czochralski technique. It also produces gallium-doped ingots that increase the lifetime of the solar cells and reduce the number of stabilization steps as compared to monocrystalline silicon. Through this, Norwegian Crystals controls the carbon footprint of solar panels components at ultra-low levels, empowering consumers and businesses who consider the overall sustainability of solar energy generation.
