A research team at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) just developed a potentially revolutionary solar technology: solar cells that regenerate to limit sun damage. They got the idea from chloroplasts, the cells present in plant tissue where photosynthesis takes place. In case high school biology feels somewhat hazy, photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert the sun’s energy into sugars, a form of energy they can use. This process takes place in special cells within plants’ leaves called (wait for it…) chloroplasts!
Since chloroplasts are the only living cells capable of performing the same function as solar panels, this MIT team thought they were worth studying. One unique feature they found was chloroplasts’ ability to recycle important proteins, which kept the cells from wearing out. To mimic this, they developed molecules that can self-assemble and also interact with photons of sunlight to release electrons and create electricity.
These molecules organize themselves into formations creating functional solar cells, and their regenerative capabilities allow them to work at 40 percent efficiency. This already high efficiency level may actually increase as research progresses. “Biomimicry” and creative research may have just brought us a truly game-changing solar technology.
Read more at www.getsolar.com
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