Every day, Anicet Mbida makes us discover an innovation that could well change the way we consume.
This Wednesday, he is interested in a new generation of solar panels made by mixing photovoltaic cells and fabric.
The innovation of the day is a new generation of solar panels.
For the first time, we managed to integrate them into fabric.
This allows us to imagine, for example, umbrellas that charge our mobiles.
Why not also, camping tents that generate energy.
Awnings or even exterior blinds capable of producing electricity.
We forget it, but there are a lot of fabrics exposed to the sun for hours only to provide shade or protect from the elements.
So why not use them as a source of energy?
Until now, this was not possible, because photovoltaic cells needed a rigid surface as a support.
But an engineer from AITEX (a Spanish textile research institute) managed to mix photovoltaic cells and fabric.
This makes it possible to have solar panels that are at the same time flexible, folding and extensible like canvas.
Can we integrate them into any fabric?
No.
For the moment, we are limited to a little thick acrylic.
So you won't be able to have a little blouse that charges your phone yet.
On the other hand, it can easily be considered for boat sails.
Because there is very little space available on a sailboat to install solar panels.
Same thing in town.
We will no longer be limited to the roofs of houses or buildings.
We could even put it on the tarpaulins that protect the scaffolding.
Areas that are now lost in terms of energy.
And how well are they weather resistant?
This is the whole point of the process.
As the photovoltaic cells blend into the fabric, the assembly will be as strong as the original fibers.
It doesn't sound like much, but this technology could change everything.
And boost photovoltaics even more.