World's first electricity-generating fabric developed
The world’s first electricity-generating fabric has been developed by Japanese solar company Sphelar Power Corporation and the textile industry R&D hub, the Industrial Technology Centre of Fukui Prefecture.
The textile incorporates interwoven spherical solar cells, which are aligned and connected as a thread, then woven into a fabric. The result is essentially a flexible and expandable photovoltaic module textile. The solar cells are connected through conductive wires to provide a source of light and heat. Each cell has an electrical output of 0.2 mW during the day, under clear skies.
The flexibility of the cloth makes it a suitable option for window dressings such as blinds and curtains, but probably not clothing in the short term. Researchers are still looking for a suitable coating for conductive wires and a way of improving the durability of the fabric.
Govt gets behind offshore wind research
The government has released new guidance to help developers, researchers, scientists and other...
Solar retailers and installers must prepare for scrutiny: ACCC
With demand for home batteries and solar systems surging, the ACCC is urging battery and solar...
A wind-powered 'dust buster' for solar panels
Scientists in South Korea have developed a technology that can effectively 'dust' solar...
