Fabrics that provide shade and electricity

PVs have immense potential for alleviating dependence on fossil fuels by using the Sun's renewable energy to generate electricity with minimal or no pollution. PVs are in use in many areas of the world. Current research and development is focused on increasing efficiency and decreasing costs to enhance market uptake.

A novel EU-funded research project is reducing costs and integrating both inorganic and organic PV technology into tensile fabrics. Members of the EU-funded 'Fabric structures for solar power generation' (FABRIGEN) project are developing durable solutions suitable for outdoor use that could show up in umbrellas and shades as well as walkway or carport covers.

Scientists used inexpensive and standard roll-to-roll printing and coating for large-area, thin-film PV modules. The team integrated the PV fabrication processes with polyester fabric membranes. A critical property is durability so the researchers developed and integrated barrier and encapsulation layers to protect against humidity, air (oxygen) and ultraviolet radiation.

The team has now successfully built large-scale demonstrators using three different PV technologies. The tensile membrane structures are each 6 m long and up to 3 m wide. They either meet targets or show the clear possibility to do so and a roadmap for optimisation has been identified.

FABRIGEN modules comply with European and international standards and regulations for implementation in off-grid as well as grid-connected or feed-in-tariff (FIT) power schemes. In the short term, FIT plans provide operators with incentive for investment by paying them for energy produced in their installed systems such as shades.

In the long term, scientists envision a final system in which FIT schemes will be unnecessary given the low cost of the PV technology compared to grid prices. Taken together, the materials and technology promise to bring the cost of solar power on par with that of conventional energy.

Reduced production, transportation and operating costs should encourage investment in PV solar power. The technology is truly pioneering as there is nothing comparable available on the market today. FABRIGEN hopes to see shades and awnings made of PVs across Europe that not only provide heat and shade but also generate electricity.