Solar energy
One of the new technology Developed by researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, it could change the performance of painéis solares in urban and rural environments. The group created a coating of hydrogel capable of reducing overheating caused by partial shading and, in tests performed, increasing energy generation by up to 13%.
According to an article published by CNN Brazil this Saturday (21), the study also identified a reduction of up to 16 °C in the so-called “hot spots”, responsible for performance losses and structural damage in photovoltaic modules. The proposal is simple, does not require modification to existing electrical circuits and can directly contribute to increasing the energy efficiency of the systems already installed.
This innovation comes at a strategic moment for global solar energy, which continues to expand its share in electricity grids. By addressing a recurring technical problem, the research paves the way for practical and economically significant gains.
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Although solar energy depends on light, excessive heat reduces the conversion capacity of photovoltaic cells. This apparent paradox is known to the industry: the higher the module temperature, the lower its electrical conversion efficiency.
Unlike heat engines, painéis solares They do not benefit from heat. They need light radiation, but operate best when kept at moderate temperatures. Under conditions of high irradiance and intense heat, losses can be significant.
It is in this context that the new technology based on hydrogel It presents itself as a practical solution. The material was designed to absorb and release water in a controlled manner, promoting evaporative cooling directly on the surface of the module.
So-called “hot spots” appear when a cell receives less light than the others — a common situation in urban environments with tall buildings, trees, accumulated dirt, or debris on the glass.
When this happens, the shaded cell begins to act as an electrical resistor. Instead of producing energy, it consumes some of the electricity generated by neighboring cells and dissipates heat.
This localized overheating can cause:
Reduction in total system generation
Cracks in the protective glass
Melting of internal components
Fire hazard in extreme cases.
In addition to the immediate drop in performance, the problem affects durability. The loss of energy efficiency This doesn’t just happen during shading; it can leave permanent marks on the module.
A new technology on hydrogel It was developed precisely to neutralize this phenomenon without requiring structural changes to already installed systems.
The coating created by the team at Hong Kong Polytechnic University combines three main components.
The first is the basis of hydrogel, formed by a three-dimensional network of polymers capable of absorbing and retaining large quantities of water. This structure functions as a natural reservoir.
The second element is a structural nanocomposite composed of microscopic particles of metal oxides, such as aluminum and zinc. These materials reinforce the integrity of the gel, reducing cracking and deformation.
The third component involves hygroscopic salts, responsible for attracting moisture from the air during the night. This allows the system to replenish its water supply automatically.
During the day, when the painéis solares As the modules heat up, the stored water evaporates. This process removes heat from the surface and reduces the module’s temperature. An internal network of cotton threads, arranged in leaf-inspired patterns, acts as microchannels that direct moisture to warmer areas.
This simple dynamic is the core of new technology, which seeks to expand the energy efficiency through thermal control.
In tests conducted by PolyU, the coating demonstrated a reduction of up to 16 °C at the superheating points. As a direct consequence of the cooling, there was an increase of up to 13% in the panel’s energy production.
Professor Jerry Yan highlighted that the technology effectively addresses the problem of hot spots without modifying existing circuits. This means that already installed systems could, in theory, receive the coating without the need for complete replacement.
In addition to the immediate gain in generation, the hydrogel It demonstrated greater structural stability compared to conventional versions. The material showed less shrinkage and fewer cracks after prolonged use.
Another observed benefit was the presence of an outer polymer layer with dust-repellent properties. This feature aids in self-cleaning, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and helping to maintain the… energy efficiency over time.
The expansion of solar energy in cities faces structural limitations. Partial shading is practically inevitable in densely built-up areas. Even small shadows can compromise the entire system.
In that scenario, the new technology on hydrogel It offers a competitive advantage. By reducing the thermal impact caused by shaded cells, the solution preserves the overall performance.
In rural areas, where solar radiation is usually more intense, the problem is different: consistently high temperatures. Even without shade, excessive heat can reduce the energy efficiency of the painéis solares.
The evaporative cooling mechanism works in both contexts. This expands the potential for application in both urban rooftops and large-scale solar power plants.
Although the study does not disclose exact cost figures, the researchers estimated the payback period based on the generation gain.
In locations such as Hong Kong, the estimated payback period is approximately 4,5 years. In regions with high irradiance and humidity, such as Singapore, the return on investment can occur in just over 3 years.
These projections take into account the increase of up to 13% in energy production observed in the tests. In countries with strong solar potential, such as Brazil, the application of new technology This can represent a significant opportunity for residential, commercial, and industrial systems.
By increasing generation without expanding the installed area, the coating contributes to improving the financial indicators of projects and increasing the competitiveness of photovoltaic energy.
Research shows that significant gains from energy efficiency These innovations can come not only from new semiconductor materials, but also from intelligent thermal solutions.
Temperature control is one of the technological frontiers of solar energy. Systems that operate cooler tend to maintain more stable performance over the years.
A new technology based on hydrogel This reinforces the trend by combining materials science, structural engineering, and natural principles of evaporation.
If confirmed for commercial scale, the solution could reduce losses associated with hot spots and extend the lifespan of… painéis solares and expand global generation without the need for a proportional expansion of infrastructure.
The progress presented by the team from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University shows that there is still significant room to optimize already established technologies.
By reducing temperatures by up to 16°C at critical points and increasing electricity production by up to 13%, the hydrogel This demonstrates that relatively simple solutions can generate significant impacts.
In a global energy transition scenario, every incremental improvement counts. new technology It reinforces the importance of investing in applied research to make the painéis solares more resilient, efficient and economically viable.
More than just an isolated technical advancement, this is a concrete proposal to expand the energy efficiencyto reduce structural losses and strengthen the role of solar energy as a key player in the future electricity grid.
Hilton Fonseca Liborio is a copywriter with experience in digital content production and SEO skills. He creates optimized texts for different audiences and platforms, striving to combine quality, relevance, and results. He specializes in the automotive industry, technology, careers, renewable energy, mining, and other topics. Contact and pitch ideas: hiltonliborio44@gmail.com
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