Solar panels have long been a symbol of sustainability and the shift toward renewable energy. However, traditional solar panels have long been criticized for being bulky and unsightly, detracting from the aesthetic appeal of a building.
But what if there was a way to harness the power of the sun without sacrificing the look of your home or office? Enter Daquya, an Italian solar company that has been working to solve that very problem. Their solution? A new invisible solar panel that takes on the appearance of any building material, such as terracotta tiles.
These innovative panels are made from ceramic tiles that are infused with photovoltaic cells. They look just like any other tile but have the added bonus of generating clean, renewable energy.
The panels are made by infusing monocrystalline solar cells into the building material. They are then encased with special ceramic housing. The ceramic housing is made of a special material that appears opaque to the human eye but still allows light to flow through to the solar cell.
This technique can even create the appearance of stone, concrete, or wood. This adaptability of the product allows for a wide range of applications. Invisible solar panels can be integrated not only onto roofs but also onto walls, and floors. The possibilities are endless.
Recently, the Italian Government installed invisible solar panels on two ancient Roman sites in Pompeii as a pilot project. These sites are prime locations for Invisible Solar Panels as the aesthetics of conventional solar panels could ruin the appearance of the ancient buildings.
The Invisible Solar Panels are made from non-toxic materials and are meant to be mostly recyclable at the end of their life. Each panel weighs about two kilograms and has a peak power of 7.5 watts.
What do you think of Invisible Solar Panels? Let us know in the comments how you think these could be applied in Canada.
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