Solar Textiles

This Chapter sets out to make the case for the use of textiles, and the polymeric fibres that comprise them, as substrates for photovoltaic devices - or solar cells. Apart from the use of an endless energy source, there are other advantages too a clean, silent technology, very small maintenance costs, and an attractive technology for remote areas where there is no electrical supply from a grid. It could also be a key technology for quick electrical supply to regions struck by sudden natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods. 

---

There are a number of key technological specifications that have to be met, for a solar textile to prove viable. The performance of the cells must not be compromised by the textile fabric in particular, there must be efficient and durable conducting paths within the fabric to deliver the current from the solar cells. Moreover, the textile is very likely to contain additives which assist the processing of the fabric, and indeed of the fibres themselves, and additionally enhance the fabric s performance as a product. Not only should the additives not compromise the performance of the solar cells, but also conversely, the solar cells should not impair the performance of the fabric or its associated additives. Where solar cells are bonded to a fabric surface, the surface properties will necessarily be changed. These changes will have implications for the... 

Moreover, natural disaster extensively introduces the huge potential needs the formulation of unusual energy package based on natural source. Over the past 5 yr, more than 13 million people have lost their home and possessions because of earthquake, bush fire, flooding or other natural disaster. The victims of these disasters are commonly housed in tents until they are able to rebuild their homes. Whether they stay in tented accommodation for a short or long time, tents constructed from solar textile fabrics could provide a source of much needed power. This power could be stored in daytime and used at night, when the outdoor temperature can often fall. There are also a number of other important potential applications. The military would benefit from tents and field hospitals, especially those in remote areas, where electricity could be generated as soon as the structure is assembled. 

Even the fabric used to construct a small tent is enough to provide a few hundred watts. In addition to textile architecture, panels made from robust solar textile fabrics could be positioned on the roofs of existing buildings. Compared to conventional and improper solar panels for roof structures lightweight and flexible solar textile panels is able to tolerate load-bearing weight without shattering. 

Figure 8.3 A solar textile fabric constructed by the direct deposition of silicon layers.

Mather, R.R., Wilson, J.I.B., 2006. Solar textiles production and distribution of electricity coming from solar radiation applications. In Mattila, H.R. (Ed.), Intelligent Textiles and Clothing. Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, UK, pp. 206-216. 

---