New Ways to Catch Rays
Solar paint
Imagine generating electricity via
the paint on your house or business. Nano-solar paint, now under development,
works just like a silicon solar panel but at a fraction of the cost. At its
heart is a dark, sunlight-absorbing paint coated onto the surface of aluminized
mylar, which conducts electricity. A protective clear layer of indium tin oxide
that covers the paint also conducts electricity. When sunlight strikes the
paint, electrons are knocked loose, reaching wires that channel electricity to
the home.