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.