FutureWire - futurism and emerging technology

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Nanofabrics Can Generate Solar Energy

A Canadian research team has developed fabrics using nanofibers that are sensitive to solar rays -- not just those rays that typical solar cells register, but rays outside the visible spectrum as well. These nanofibers have the potential to capture up to 30% of the sun's energy, as opposed to only 6% that can be harnessed today.

In addition to generating solar power, these nanofibers could also see use in fiber optics and low-light imaging applications.

Sources: Eurekalert, GenuisNow