World's first electricity-generating fabric developed
The world’s first electricity-generating fabric has been developed by Japanese solar company Sphelar Power Corporation and the textile industry R&D hub, the Industrial Technology Centre of Fukui Prefecture.
The textile incorporates interwoven spherical solar cells, which are aligned and connected as a thread, then woven into a fabric. The result is essentially a flexible and expandable photovoltaic module textile. The solar cells are connected through conductive wires to provide a source of light and heat. Each cell has an electrical output of 0.2 mW during the day, under clear skies.
The flexibility of the cloth makes it a suitable option for window dressings such as blinds and curtains, but probably not clothing in the short term. Researchers are still looking for a suitable coating for conductive wires and a way of improving the durability of the fabric.
Does early maintenance yield longer-lasting solar?
Almost one in four inspected solar systems contains at least one fault serious enough to affect...
Firefighters alliance counters claims of transmission line risk
The Australian Firefighters Climate Alliance has responded to reports of some rural firefighting...
Volvo announces Australian electric truck milestone
The first electric trucks have rolled off the production line at the company's facility in...
