Solar panels can generate electricity using snow

Solar panels are increasingly used in hot and sunny regions, because in order to battery efficiently generate electricity, it must be clean and constantly illuminated sun light.

But in addition to the warm regions we have snow-covered, where to keep clean panel is very problematic. In order to increase the efficiency of solar panels in northern latitudes are continuing scientific research and scientists from the University of California partly solved this problem.

They were created extra panel which, interacting directly with snow produces electricity production.

This product was named Triboelectric nano generator (or Snow TENG). In the name already explained the principle of operation of such device, namely, the application of the triboelectric effect (formation of electric charges in the material as a result of friction).

In a particular case, the positive charge becomes snow, and receives a negative charge layer Special silicone which is applied to the surface of the panels and has a direct connection with the electrodes.

This panel it is possible to print on a 3D printer and is compatible with any solar panel that will generate electricity even during heavy snowfall.

One disadvantage of this coating is its low capacity. So while the scientists turned to achieve only 0.2 mW per square meter panel. The voltage idling 8 volts and the amperage 40 mA.

Yes, this is clearly insufficient for powering high-power electrical appliances, but to feed the low-power sensors is possible. And work on a capacity increase underway in full swing.

Of course, the widespread use Snow TENG speech does not go yet, but it is likely that further research will provide enough effective coverage with an acceptable level of power output.

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