However, the solar solutions Australia industry is not only moving at a faster pace but developing and innovating as well. In this article, we’ll discuss the latest innovations in the solar industry and the key trends developed along with them.
The New Technologies to Empower the Future of Solar Power
There have been some remarkable innovations in solar technologies to make solar energy more efficient and reliable. Here are some of the significant developments and innovations related to the materials, manufacturing, and installations of the panels.
Perovskite Solar Cells
Perovskite Solar Cells are the ones that are available at a low cost along with increased energy efficiency as compared to others in today’s time. These perovskite solar cells are cheaper than traditional solar cells and less labor-intensively manufactured. These cells have shown great performance in the laboratory setting and the researchers are still working on it to make it more viable for commercial applications.
Tandem Solar Cells
Tandem solar cells are a stack of solar cells placed over one another to capture the broader area of the sunlight’s spectrum. It is designed with multiple materials with advanced absorption properties to boost the overall efficiency of the system. These cells possess higher conversion rates resulting in enhanced output levels.
Bifacial Solar Panels
As the name suggests, bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both the sides. These panels generate optimal energy for small-area installations. However, bifacial solar panels are made of a single solar cell that’s able to absorb sunlight from front, back, and also from the ground or nearby surface’s reflections. The additional absorption of sunlight apart from the direct sunlight contributes to the additional power generation from the bifacial solar panel systems.
IoT-enabled Solar Panels
Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled Solar Panels allow businesses and homeowners to monitor all the individual panels in a network. The IoT solar panel monitoring helps you keep track of how much energy is being generated and how much energy is being consumed. This remote monitoring allows the panel’s performance assessment which enables timely maintenance to optimize energy and helps enhance efficiency.
Solar Shingles
Solar Shingles or solar roof tiles, are solar panels designed to be installed flat on the roof. You install solar shingles if you do not want your PV panels to be visible. Solar shingles are quite expensive as they make your roof look neater compared to regular solar panels. It is believed that solar shingles will become a popular option in Australia once they are available in an affordable range.
Smart Solar Inverters
Smart solar inverters prevent direct damage to the system. As inverters are installed between the panels and the grid, the smart inverters shut down completely if there’s an issue detected. These inverters control how much energy is sent to the grid from the solar panel system.
Solar Windows and Solar Paints
Solar glass windows are a form of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). They are installed within the building and not on the rooftop. However, solar paints are liquids combined with PV properties that help in generating electricity. These are an optimal choice for the building where space for traditional solar panels is limited.
Floating Solar Farms
Floating Solar Farms are an emerging form of PV systems that float on the surface of the water bodies. Formally they are known as floating photovoltaic systems or floatovoltaics. Compared to mounted solar panels, floating solar panels are quite expensive.
Key Trends in the Solar Power Industry
Local Manufacturing Enhanced
This is one of the most common yet popular trends in the solar industry. Basically, this is driven by the motive to cut down the export and shipping charges. Also, the government provides various incentives and tax rebates for local manufacturing.
Energy Storage Integration
The need for energy integration continues to rise as a backup for the cloudy weather and power outages. The energy storage system can store excess solar energy during peak hours for the times when solar power is not available.
Advanced Materials with Cost Effective Manufacturing
Technology keeps evolving but it has to keep up with advancements for maintaining the productivity of the solar system. Innovations in materials are needed to increase the efficiency and durability of solar panels. Moreover, the manufacturing process is also optimized for availing an affordable panel to consumers.
Grid Integration
Integration with the grid plays a very significant role in managing power flows. There are smart inverters with advanced sensors installed between the grid and the solar panels that monitor the performance of the solar panels. Also, there is proper monitoring of the inflow and outflow of energy between the grid and solar panels.
Decentralization of Power Generation
The decentralization of power generation means that businesses and individuals are generating their own energy for consumption. This trend is becoming more popular with time as it gives energy independence and reduces reliance on the grid. Decentralization is more popular in areas where the traditional power infrastructure is not working well.
Get the Best Team For Solar Installation
As the world is shifting towards a cleaner more sustainable future, the need for solid solar power technology is very crucial. Although, Australian solar energy resources are considered among the best in the world. Researchers and innovators are still trying to make it more efficient and affordable in the coming time.
Be a part of the evolving era, embrace solar power with newer tech, and contribute to the efforts to reduce the effects of climate change with the help of our experts. Contact ESA to get the best commercial or residential solar panel installation for your energy needs.
