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Spray-On Film Turns Windows into Solar Panels

Posted August 18, 2010 7:55 AM

From Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine:

Imagine if all the windows of a building, and perhaps even all its exterior walls, could be put to use as solar collectors. Soon, you may not have to imagine it, as the Norweigan solar power company EnSol has patented a thin film solar cell technology designed to be sprayed on to just such surfaces. Unlike traditional silicon-based solar cells, the film is composed of metal nanoparticles embedded in a transparent composite matrix, and operates on a different principle.

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Power-User

Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Pacific, Mo.
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#1

Re: Spray-On Film Turns Windows into Solar Panels

08/18/2010 11:26 AM

If I spray it on my glasses will it power my laptop?

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Anonymous Poster
#2
In reply to #1

Re: Spray-On Film Turns Windows into Solar Panels

08/18/2010 12:04 PM

If I spray it on my bald spot, will the electricity keep my head warm in winter?

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Guru
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#3
In reply to #2

Re: Spray-On Film Turns Windows into Solar Panels

08/18/2010 9:36 PM

You may still have time for a patent if you hairy... Ops, I mean, hurry.

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Anonymous Poster
#8
In reply to #3

Re: Spray-On Film Turns Windows into Solar Panels

08/23/2010 8:33 AM

double fun for me, as it rymes in spanish as well:

Todavia lo puedes patentar si te apeludas... digo, si te apresuras.

Yahlasit

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Guru

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#4

Re: Spray-On Film Turns Windows into Solar Panels

08/19/2010 3:37 AM

Quote, 'research partners are developing prototype squares of the material, measuring 16 square centimeters each'.

Maybe 20 years down the road?

They should shoot bloggers that troll university web sites for what is new.

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Guru
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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Spray-On Film Turns Windows into Solar Panels

08/19/2010 4:04 AM

I'd be happy if they would just sign their work

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Guru

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#6
In reply to #5

Re: Spray-On Film Turns Windows into Solar Panels

08/19/2010 5:07 AM

OK - OK your method is certainly more socially acceptable. Maybe, just maybe, the death penalty is a bit overboard for poor blogging.

Not all that much overboard but just a little bit.

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Guru
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#7
In reply to #6

Re: Spray-On Film Turns Windows into Solar Panels

08/19/2010 10:53 AM

ah the age old dilemma

life in prison [public humiliation]

or

the death penalty

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Guru
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#9

Re: Spray-On Film Turns Windows into Solar Panels

08/23/2010 4:52 PM

From what little info is supplied it would appear that these manufacturers are finally getting around to using the wave principle of light instead of the photon for generating electricity. All those little nanoparticles would be antennas. The simple explanation leaves out the need for some kind of wiring to use the electricity being gleaned.

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