Top 10: Solar Energy Innovations

By Jasmin Jessen & Maya Derrick
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The first solar cell was invented in 1883
The top solar energy innovations include floating solar, space solar and advanced battery storage technologies

As the world grapples with climate change, the use and application of solar power continues to evolve.

Since its modern conception in the 1950s, solar power’s popularity has boomed, transforming how we generate and consume energy.

From sleek photovoltaic panels on rooftops to massive solar farms, the application of solar varies.

But there are some pioneering ways solar is being applied.

Here, we go through 10 solar innovations and share how they could shape the future of the solar industry and energy as a whole.

10. Solar roofing

Tesla’s Solar Roof is designed to complement home aesthetics - Credit: Tesla

Starting off more traditional, solar panels installed on roofs can provide an enormous range of benefits from a relatively simple addition to property. 

Panels are durable and can last more than 30 years providing energy and lowering a building’s carbon emissions by up to 80%. 

Tesla’s Solar Powered Roof Tiles are designed to complement the aesthetics of homes and come with a Powerwall home battery.

This energy storage system can support homes to have 24/7 energy security, powering homes through the night or on cloudy days. 

It is composed of both glass solar tiles and architectural-grade steel tiles, engineered for all-weather protection and longevity. 

9. SolarSkin

SolarSkin can transform the appearance of solar panels - Credit: Sistine Solar

Created by MIT engineers, SolarSkins are aesthetic overlay protectors that can customise the appearance of solar panels. 

Startup Sistine Solar was founded at the MIT Sloan School of Management by Senthil Balasubramanian and Ido Salama. 

“We think SolarSkin is going to catch on like wildfire,” Senthil tells MIT. 

“There is a tremendous desire by homeowners to cut utility bills, and solar is finding reception with them — and homeowners care a lot about aesthetics.”

The product has both commercial and residential potential, able to provide the more traditional appearance of roof tiles or advertise a brand in new spaces, described by the company as “solar curb appeal”. 

Depending on the SolarSkin’s design, energy yields can remain as high as 99% of the original panel manufacturers’ energy generation.

8. Solar EVs

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Aptera Motors’ solar electric vehicle isn’t just capable of running on solar power – it can also generate it. 

It has a lightweight carbon fibre structure designed to minimise air resistance for improved efficiency.

The vehicle’s integrated solar panels can power up to 64 kilometres of driving per day or more than 16,000 kilometres annually. 

The manufacturing process of this vehicle also uses a no-welding assembly technique to minimise its environmental impact. 

Aptera has partnered with LG Energy Solution, supplying cylindrical batteries for its car.

"As a global leader in the battery industry, LG Energy Solution is committed to enabling innovation that shapes the future of mobility,” says Glen Choi, Head of the Marketing Department at LG Energy Solution.

“The partnership with Aptera is a testament to our mission to empower every possibility, supporting the realisation of solar-powered transportation while delivering advanced battery technology, ensuring practicality and flexibility for drivers."

7. Bifacial solar panels

Panasonic’s Bifacial Mono PERC 535-550Wp solar panels - Credit: Panasonic

Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both sides, increasing efficiency and energy yield. 

Their module efficiency ranges from 20.7% to 21.3% depending on the specific wattage and power output can range from 535W to 550W. 

The cells are 144 half-cut monocrystalline silicon PERC cells with a half-cell design to reduce internal losses and increase overall module efficiency. 

“I believe that squarely addressing various societal issues, including global environmental issues, and taking up the challenge of making a greater contribution to the development of society and the resolution of pressing issues will also lead to further improvement of business competitiveness,” says Yuki Kusumi, President and CEO at Panasonic.

6. Solar sailing

A rendering of the Captain Arctic in its intended milieu - Credit: Selar

The Captain Arctic is a polar expedition cruise ship designed to operate with close to zero carbon emissions.

This is unusual for a boat of its size, reaching 70 metres long.

Its propulsion system will rely primarily on renewable energy, with 90% of its power derived from wind and solar sources.

Five rigid sails integrated with 20,000 square feet of advanced solar panels form the backbone of the vessel’s energy system.

Christophe Chauvière, Vice President at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, described the Captain Arctic as a “trailblazing example of what’s possible in sustainable maritime design”.

“Selar is one of the few shipowners that dare to change the game,” said Laurent Mermier, CEO of Ship-ST.

“We are proud to design the Captain Arctic and its solar wings while collaborating with our partners.”

5. Solar motorways

Solar motorways aim to improve public perception of renewable energy whilst generating electricity - Credit: Getty

Solar motorways propose using less desired land alongside roads to mount solar panels. 

This idea was created by the special-purpose association and the planned renewable energies innovation park, Innovationspark Erneuerbare Energien, which was founded in 2017.

Germany’s motorway network is the fourth-longest in the world at 13,200 kilometres, making it the perfect place to test this theory.

Volker Mielchen, Managing Director of the special-purpose association Landfolge Garzweiler commented: “In densely-populated Germany, infrastructural projects encounter resistance.

“Routes and infrastructure can facilitate the production of renewable energy from solar panels on previously unutilised areas,” Volker explains. 

“This could create synergies between energy production and wind and noise protection.”

5. Solar paint

Mercedes-Benz is testing a new solar paint for electric vehicles - Credit: Mercedes-Benz

Is solar paint the next big thing in renewable energy? It aims to harness the sun’s energy through a paint-like substance applied to surfaces.

But how does it work?

This cutting-edge concept integrates photosensitive compounds directly into paint formula, creating surfaces capable of harnessing solar energy.

Just like traditional forms of paint, solar paint has many applications. 

Mercedes-Benz is testing a new solar paint for electric vehicles, which it says is a 20%-efficient, non-silicon photovoltaic coating that is “significantly cheaper than conventional solar modules” and could potentially eliminate daily charging for EVs in sunny locations like Los Angeles, USA.

It can also be applied to walls, roofs and windows of buildings, turning them into energy-harvesting surfaces.

4. Railway solar

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Railway solar power represents an innovative green energy solution, transforming transportation infrastructure. 

By strategically installing solar panels along railway tracks, rail networks can generate clean electricity to power trains, signalling systems and station operations, as well as giving it back to the grid for mass consumption.

Swiss start-up Sun-Ways has permission to trial the first removable rail track solar panels from 2025 for three years.

As part of the project, PV panels will be rolled out like carpet in between tracks. This infrastructure is completely removable.

“There are over a million kilometres of railway lines in the world," Sun-Ways Co-Founder Baptiste Danichert says. 

“We believe that 50% of the world’s railways could be equipped with our system.”

3. Space solar

China’s 1km-wide space solar array is expected to collect energy at a constant rate more than 10-times more efficient than photovoltaic panels on Earth - Credit: Getty

It may sound out of this world, but solar in space for Earth’s consumption is closer to becoming a reality.

Space-based solar power (SBSP) is a groundbreaking approach to renewable energy generation that involves strategically positioned solar power satellites (SPS) that capture solar energy in the unique environment of outer space. 

Unlike terrestrial solar installations, these satellites can collect solar radiation continuously, unimpeded by atmospheric interference, cloud cover or day-night cycles.

Scientists in China are working to put a 1km-wide solar array in space, which is expected to collect energy at a constant rate more than 10-times more efficient than photovoltaic panels on Earth.

Space Solar is a company that works in this field. One of its breakthroughs comes in the form of 360° wireless power transmission — a world first.

“This successful test is a really important milestone on the way to making space-based solar power a reality,” says Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency.

2. Advanced battery storage

GE Vernova and Our Next Energy Inc. aim to advance storage systems in the US - Credit: GE Vernova

What good is harvesting the power of the sun if there is no way of storing it?

Energy storage allows renewable energy resources, like solar, to continue to generate electricity even when it’s not needed — and so it can be stored for a later time when demand requires it.

Some of the companies leading in the energy storage space include Tesla, Enphase and GE Vernova.

Another company at the top of this field is Johnson Controls.

“Our customers working on solar or battery storage projects have historically faced challenges with funding and high costs, especially those in the education, healthcare and public housing industries,” Brandie Williams, Performance Infrastructure Business Development Director, West Region, says. 

“We’re proud to showcase how dedicated Johnson Controls is to making efficiency and sustainability accessible for any customer.”

1. Floating solar

Iberdrola’s planned floating photovoltaic plant in Brazil - Credit: Iberdrola

Floating solar or floating photovoltaics (FPV), sometimes called floatovoltaics, do what they say on the tin — are solar panels mounted on a structure that float on water.

But what are the benefits of having solar panels on bodies of water? Whether seas or lakes, floating solar beats its land-based counterparts when it comes to higher efficiency due to water cooling, reduced land use and the potential for large-scale deployment

In 2023, the Iberdrola group announced plans to install the company’s first floating photovoltaic plant. Located in Brazil, on the water surface of the Xaréu dam on the island of Fernando de Noronha, the project is brought to life through its subsidiary Neoenergia.

With an output of 630kW, the floating plant is expected to generate around 1,240MWh of green energy per year.


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