What Is Spray-on Solar? And How Does It Work?

Although traditional solar panels serve an important purpose, they are often bulky and expensive, requiring enormous amounts of energy to manufacture and install. However, this is about to change. Scientists are currently developing spray-on solar power, which may prove more economical and ecologically-friendly than traditional solar panels.

Reality of fiction…?

Someday, we may be able to spray solar-powered cells onto our clothing, our homes and our cars. While research into spray-on solar isn’t new, scientists are moving closer to making it a reality. At the University of Sheffield, for instance, scientists are working towards making spray-on solar cells more effective and affordable (see image above). 

The Sheffield group is currently experimenting with a material known as perovskite. Perovskite is a lot like silicon – the main component in most of the solar cells being manufactured today. However, while silicon must be heated to approximately 3,000 degrees before it can be used, perovskite takes a lot less energy (and money) to produce.

While the findings related to perovskite are positive, problems remain. Currently, the spray-on solar being trialled in Sheffield is only about 11% efficient (silicon is 25% efficient), nor does spray-on solar last as long as traditional solar cells. However, what spray-on solar does offer is more versatility. While traditional solar panels can be mounted on rooftops, spray-on solar has a wide range of application, from clothing to cars.

"First applications could be in more low-lifetime products in which long-term stability is not required, i.e. on clothing, or for various indoor applications to scavenge energy," says lead researcher David Lidzey.

Scavenging energy

As Lidzey and his team strive to improve the efficiency of spay-on solar, designers and developers are dreaming up new ways of applying spray-on solar to various products. Increasingly, designers are creating objects with several functions, some practical, others ecological. For instance, items of clothing may soon boast concealed mobile phone chargers, lights or heat pads – all powered by spray-on solar.

"The technology offers the ultimate potential of very low-cost solar energy, with photovoltaic devices built into many varied environments," Lidzey says. "This will be particularly important in the developing world, where access to low-cost, carbon-free energy will be an important part of making sure that economic and population growth happens in a sustainable fashion."

Is the future powered by spray-on solar?

While it’s unlikely that spray-on solar will become a popular energy source any time soon, it represents an important weapon in the fight against climate change. Used in conjunction with other renewable and carbon-neutral energy sources, spray-on solar may evolve into a valued technology, enabling us to scavenge energy at home and on the go. 

Encouragingly, the popularity of solar power is set to increase, with New York set to increase its generation of green energy by 50 %, while China has set a new target that will see the amount of solar power installed tripled by 2017. The future is bright!