Here are the latest sustainable construction materials

According to the U.N. Environmental Program, the construction industry is not making enough efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. While all sectors are making efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the construction sector is still to get an organized strategy. Today, up to 50% of the world’s climate change is caused by the construction sector. The same industry is responsible for up to 40% of the pollution in water bodies. These figures just go to show, how significant the construction industry is in regards to environmental impact.

Construction effects the environment in diverse ways. Some of the effects are so easy to control and prevent. For instance, most construction projects often require land. Having proper land use planning can prevent issues such as deforestation and human-wildlife conflicts. At the same time, individual choices with a perspective of the future could reduce such issues.

Related: How sustainable is using salt as a building material?

Every person has a role to play in reducing construction-based pollution. The biggest role, however, lies with the developer. Whether you are building a home, a business premise or any other development, consider the idea of sustainability.

Sustainable construction is one which caters to today’s needs while considering the future of the ecosystem and the world at large. Developers can turn their projects into sustainable ones by selecting sustainable materials, avoiding unnecessary waste and considering energy efficiency.

A sustainable building can be described as one that is built with renewable and recyclable resources and one that reduces energy consumption. There are many factors that go into making a building sustainable. The good news is that there is no one rule-fit-all approach to sustainability. All you have to do is ensure that you think about the planet in the process.

Sustainable construction materials

The first step to sustainable construction is getting the right materials. 

If you are planning to start a construction project, there are many sustainable materials to consider. Most of these materials are more affordable than traditional construction ones. Further, they have been tested and are likely more durable. Let us look at the options you have for sustainable construction.

Ferrock bricks from recycled steel dust

Ferrock is a type of brick that is created by combining steel dust with silica obtained from ground glass. The brick is attained upon a reaction with carbon dioxide to create an iron carbonate. This carbonate is helpful to the ecosystem since it binds some atmospheric carbon dioxide. Secondly, it provides an alternative to pollution intense concrete walls. 

The other benefit is that these bricks are cheaper than traditional concrete stones since they are made from waste materials. However, the bricks are not yet available in the market on a large scale. If you are doing a small construction, Ferrock is something you may consider.

HempCrete bricks from hemp fiber

Hempcrete is a new type of building block developed from hemp fiber. This type of building material is rare and only just found its way into the market. However, it is quickly picking up pace due to its benefits. Hempcrete is estimated to have a lifespan of at least 300 years, way longer than traditional concrete. Most modern homes have a lifespan of 50 to 1000 years. This is an indication that hemp-based building blocks are actually better compared to traditional options.

Hempcrete is made from hemp fiber, which is very strong. Hemp grows very fast and can be produced in mass quantities. These blocks are also used without the need for concrete. They use special glue, which is more eco-friendly than cement.

Most importantly, the blocks offer good insulation, which reduces heating and cooling costs. Concrete is known for being a very poor insulator and hence high heating and cooling expenses.

Plant-based polyurethane rigid foam(PRF) for insulation

Rigid foam, a popular insulation option, is made from plastic and other CO2-intensive emission processes. Besides emission, the main components of the foam are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which have diverse side effects. The option of Plant-based Polyurethane foam eliminates the negative effects of traditional foam. Rigid foam has been in use since the 1970s and has been quite instrumental in providing home insulation. However, it is time to advance to a more friendly option of foam.

Plant-based polyurethane rigid foam is made from a combination of hemp, kelp and bamboo. This foam is environmentally friendly since it is made from readily available plants. Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on earth and can be grown almost anywhere. Hemp can also be produced in large quantities. 

The main environmental benefit of plant-based foam is that it protects the house from mold and pests. Secondly, it has a high thermal value than traditional foam. This simply means it is more efficient as an insulator.

Smart glass windows for controlled lighting

Smart glass windows and doors are now becoming very popular. Most people who opt for these windows do not even know how sustainable they can be. Smart glass is made with PDLC liquid crystal film, which can transform your regular glasses into a tinted one or something similar. The smart windows use electricity, but it is worth the effort.

When these windows are used, they block direct UV and IR rays from reaching the house on hot days. This, in effect, controls the heat in your house and reduces heating costs. On cold days, they automatically allow UV rays to warm the house.

Besides temperature control, these glasses are good for personal privacy control. This technology is quickly developing and is an option you may consider for your sustainable construction.

Solar panel roofing

Solar panels are one of the sustainable construction materials that have been around for a long time. However, solar panels are no longer limited to just generating electricity. Today, there are diverse roofing options equipped with solar cells. A good example is solar panel roofing shingles. These are shingles just like the traditional ones except that they are equipped with solar cells. They generate electricity and power your home helping reduce power costs. 

Cross laminated timber (CLT)

CLT is a miracle construction material that is taking way longer than necessary to be embraced. Although some companies are already using it, it has failed short of expectations. CLT is a wood product developed in Europe in the early 1990s. It is made up of structurally graded lumber bound with glue. While the material may look like regular wood on the surface, it is structurally way stronger and more durable.

CLT boasts of strength to weight ratio equal to concrete. What this means is that the weight that concrete wall can sustain is equally sustainable by CLT. However, CLT is five times lighter in weight. Effectively, CLT can provide a faster and cheaper way of construction compared to concrete.

The upside of CLT is that it replaces concrete, a major contributor to carbon pollution. Secondly, it is a good insulator which reduces heating costs. On the downside, it relies on lumber, which could cause problems for our forests if fully embraced. 

These materials give us an idea of what it takes to attain sustainable construction. When we talk about sustainability in construction, it is necessary to have an open-minded approach. All of the above materials touch on various aspects of sustainability. Even so, when you choose a material, make considerations and weigh its pros versus cons. Avoid materials that are likely to cause more harm than good. 

Images via Pexels

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/sOE0gcW
via Inhabitat

These are 5 industries being propelled by 3D printing

When 3D printing first took off, it was difficult to imagine how diverse the field would grow. Nowadays, the realm of additive manufacturing is growing daily. In particular, five sectors are advancing rapidly as a result of developments in additive manufacturing. These are healthcare, food, fashion, motorsports and aerospace. Based on estimates, it is believed that soon these industries will incorporate 3D printing as a key component of their operations.

How rapidly is 3D printing growing?

Typically, we think of 3D printing as a very recent advancement in manufacturing. However, it actually has its roots in the 1970s. In the early 1970s, a man named Johannes F. Gottwald filed the first patent for the liquid metal recorder. This process involved producing objects from liquified metal, which solidified layer by layer, just like modern 3D printers.

Related: 3D-printed recycled waste can be turned into insulated walls

Gottwald’s concept was built on by Dr. Hideo Kodama in the 1980s, who suggested using polymers instead of metal, which could be cured using ultraviolet (UV) light. In 1986, Charles Hull and his company, 3D Systems Corporation, released the world’s first commercially-available 3D printer. Since then there have been significant advancements in 3D printing. These are typically to refine the additive manufacturing process to improve speed, efficiency, scale, costs and sustainability.

Based on a study carried out in early 2023 by Hubs, an online manufacturing platform, 3D printing is only set to grow in the coming years. In fact, the study showed that out of 1,035 participants, 71% of respondents indicated that they had increased the use of additive manufacturing in their companies in 2022, compared to 2021. Based on data from this study, the 3D-printing market is projected to grow by 17% to a whopping $19.9 billion in 2023.

Using additive manufacturing to enhance industries

Five industries are being transformed by innovations in 3D printing. Each of these are adopting the tool increasingly and it is likely to be a key component of these industries in the coming years.

Healthcare

Healthcare is an industry where 3D printing is beginning to play a key role. This is already being researched through bioprinting. 3D-bioprinting uses additive manufacturing as a tool to “print” living cells. This is done using bio-inks, which are made of natural or synthetic biomaterials and living cells. These inks are “printed” in layers, just like other 3D-printing systems, to emulate the structures of natural cell tissues.

3D bioprinting can be used across the healthcare field such as in bioengineering and even pharmaceutical development. For example, 3D-printed skin and bone grafts, implants and even organs are being researched for efficacy. Within the realm of pharmaceutical research, 3D-printed tissues can be used to accelerate drug testing. Though these fields are still undergoing much research and development, it is likely that in the next decade, 3D bioprinting will be more prevalent in the healthcare industry.

Food

While 3D-printed food has been around for a while, it has only been used on relatively small scales. Nowadays, with the lowered costs of 3D printers, the technology is being used to create customized foods. This includes producing foods with different textures and flavors, but also controlling nutrient profiles to benefit medical patients and the elderly.

3D-printed meats are also gaining speed. Since the animal agriculture and fishing industries are highly resource-intensive, 3D-printed meats/meat substitutes could be a potential substitute. Through these 3D-printed products, there would be less animal husbandry, which would consequently put less strain on the environment.

Fashion

3D-printed garments and shoes allow for greater design freedom and customization, as well as less material waste. Footwear is one area that 3D-printing has had a growing role in. For example, in 2021 Adidas revealed their 4DFWD running shoes. These feature 3D-printed midsoles to boost runners’ speed and agility.

Besides footwear, designers such as Julia Koerner and Bastian Müller are now exploring the realm of 3D-printed textiles. These have been developed in recent years and are now being featured at large-scale couture events. For example, the 2019 Met Gala featured a 3D-printed dress by Zac Posen in collaboration with Protolabs and GE Additive.

Motorsports

Since 3D printing allows for enhanced customization and design opportunities, teams from NASCAR, Formula 1 and MotoGP are adopting this tool. They are using additive manufacturing to produce prototypes, tools and even components for their cars. In doing so, they can create components that are lightweight and aerodynamic, thus boosting speed and performance in races.

Aerospace

The aerospace industry has been using 3D printing for a long time, across different realms. This includes manufacturing spare parts and even satellites for space exploration. Research and development is also exploring the possibilities of “printing” lunar and/or Martian habitats.

Currently, 3D printing is being used to speed up rocket production. One such example is the space launch startup Relativity. They have produced their first 3D-printed rocket called Terran 1, which is set to launch in late 2023.

What does the increase in 3D printing mean for sustainability?

As mentioned earlier, modern advancements in the realm of 3D printing are to enhance efficiency and scale, as well as to lower costs and boost sustainability. But how can 3D printing be good for the environment? There are several reasons.

Firstly, 3D printing allows for optimization. This means that items can be designed and manufactured to suit the specific needs of the final product. For example, in the aerospace industry, components are 3D-printed so that they are lightweight, which consequently results in less fuel consumption. By reducing an aircraft’s weight by just 20% leads to 10% improved fuel efficiency. Overall, this has immense benefits for the environment, especially since jet fuels come from fossil fuels that emit harmful greenhouse gases.

Another key reason why 3D printing can be sustainable is because of the nature of additive manufacturing. These processes are typically very efficient and tend to produce less waste than subtractive manufacturing technologies, such as CNC routing.

Additionally, depending on the material(s) used, products can be broken down at the end of their lifetimes. This material can be salvaged and re-manufactured into 3D-printer filaments, which contributes to a circular economy and prevents 3D-printed materials from ending up in landfills.

3D printing also allows for local production to take place on smaller scales. This prevents the reliance on larger production entities, which often require complex logistics and transportation. Through 3D printing, people can create what they need (especially at low volumes) in shorter time frames and without incurring extra costs.

Overall, through advancements in the realm of additive manufacturing, we can push the boundaries of design and production without putting excess strain on the environment.

via Hubs, UPM Biomedicals,

Images via Hubs

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/am1RxI5
via Inhabitat

In Finland, people get prizes for their unwanted textiles

In the quest for a more sustainable future, the Finnish city of Lahti has taken a remarkable step with an innovative pilot program called the Textile Deposit scheme. This incentivized recycling program aims to encourage locals to actively sort and recycle their textile waste instead of sending it to the landfill. 

Inspired by Finland’s successful deposit system for beverage containers, the Textile Deposit has been making waves with its impressive results and potential for wider implementation. It works by offering citizens a small reward for their efforts. In this case, the prizes are coffee vouchers and passes to the local pool. It’s enough motivation to get the job done. During the initial pilot program, textile returns catapulted to levels 500% higher than without the incentives.

Related: Bottle recycling in Oregon hits 90 percent record high 

The birth of the textile deposit pilot program

As a leading environmental city and the European Green Capital of 2021, Lahti is committed to becoming a zero-waste city by 2050. With these long-term goals in mind, administrators launched the Textile Deposit scheme as an experimental project to explore whether small incentives could significantly boost the recycling rate of textile waste. 

“As a pioneer in urban environmentalism, Lahti has set a goal of being a waste free city by 2050. The textile deposit is a great example of an everyday innovation that directly aims to minimize the amount of waste and showcases the potential of discarded textiles as a raw material for industries and design,” said Veera Hämäläinen, the communications director for the City of Lahti.

Textile waste is a massive worldwide problem, as evidenced by the mounds of clothing left behind as a result of fast fashion and other consumption. But this doesn’t have to be the case because clothing and household linens can be converted into recycled fibers for countless applications. 

As a whole, the country of Finland has launched into a commitment to remedy this environmental issue. At the beginning of the year, it implemented legislation that required cities and municipalities to make separate collection bins for textile waste publicly available. The pilot program in Lahti was an extension of that policy aimed at encouraging high use rather than simply providing a drop point. 

The rollout of the textile deposit system

The city of Lahti collaborated with Salpakierto, a municipal company responsible for waste management in the region, to set up six collection points for textile waste.

In the past, a moderate number of people used the receptacles for textile collection, with each location regularly gathering around 70 kg of donated fabrics each week. Since the introduction of the Textile Deposit scheme, those same locations have begun collecting 350 kg of materials — a staggering 500% increase.

Hämäläinen expressed excitement about the results saying, “The Textile Deposit has been a runaway success. The results we’ve seen are a positive signal for systemic incentives for recycling. A nationwide deposit-based recycling system for textiles could give a significant boost to the recycling rate. In Finland, we’ve seen it with bottles and beverage cans, their recycling rate is well above 90% – could these kinds of incentives be applied across the board?”

Organizers hope so. The plan is to roll out separate collection receptacles for textile waste beyond Finland and across the EU by 2025. Mirroring the pilot incentive program success in Lahti could substantially increase the success of recycling efforts when they become widely available. 

“Our future depends on a circular economy, but it can’t just be the consumers’ responsibility to take care of recycling. With this pilot we want to ask what countries, cities and companies can do to help make recycling easier and more attractive to people. Deposits have worked well before, maybe there could be one for textiles in the future,” said Kimmo Rinne, development manager at Salpakierto.

Future industry opportunities

As Finland moves towards a circular economy for textiles, it also adds a new industry stream to the market. The Textile Deposit program coordinators reference research on the potential for future opportunities in the industry saying, “According to a report by McKinsey & Company, fiber-to-fiber recycling at scale could be achieved by 2030, creating a new and sustainable circular industry in Europe.”

A sustainable recycling model

Like Finland, many other locations have initiated bottle deposits to encourage similar behavior. In the United States, bottle returns began in Oregon in 1971 and have spread to only 10 states since that time. The idea is simple: charge the customer a small amount when they buy an item in a recyclable container, then refund that money when they return the container. It’s a highly effective practice that offers an incentive without additional costs so it stands to reason we could scale the idea not only to textiles, but to all types of recyclable items. 

The positive reinforcement creates a shift in consumer behavior that we desperately need while we battle pollution and waste around the globe. 

The bigger picture in Lahti

As the Textile Deposit scheme continues to inspire positive change in Lahti, the city is also launching a national design competition to find innovative uses for discarded textiles. This competition, organized in collaboration with the Sustainable Lahti Foundation, LAB University of Applied Sciences and Salpakierto, aims to foster creativity and entrepreneurship in the circular economy and offer a future for the textile recycling industry.

+ Salpakierto Ltd 

Images via City of Lahti

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/Lch4eDx
via Inhabitat

An artwork that gives new meaning to a dead tree

Nature speaks for itself, while art amplifies whatever nature has to say. Artist Luca Gnizio has cut a niche for himself in amplifying the communications of nature. His latest project, Forsoultree, speaks more than words could. Yet, it is a project that goes beyond the creation of an artist. It features more than a hundred years of nature’s work ingrained in a dead tree trunk.

The project started with the accidental discovery of a century-old Holm Oak tree trunk that had been brought down by nature. Located at the grounds of Villa San Michele, the trunk sits on part of the Monumental Park of Monte Ceceri —where Leonardo da Vinci did tests for his flying machines.

Related: Pine Bark Hut resembles an actual tree in a forest

Unlike Leonardo’s art, which has often left us with thousands of unanswered questions, Forsoultree was documented right from the start. From the moment the trunk was found, deliberate efforts to preserve and document started. The decision to call in Luca Gnizio was immediate. When he was called in, he immediately thought of giving the dead trunk some life.

Forsoultree tries to create life and meaning out of a dead tree by merging it with the surrounding environment. Over the past decade, Gnizio has made a name for himself, establishing a whole new form of art that collaborates with nature. In his work, he focuses on three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.

The Forsoultree takes on various aspects of his artistic approach. The aim of this project was not only to reuse but also to preserve and give life. The reason for trying to give life to a dead trunk can only be seen through the work itself. Anyone looking at the scene can be fooled into thinking that it is scripted. 

Traditionally, this type of wood would be considered waste. To Gnizio, what most people call waste can be repurposed to give more meaning to life. He has managed to create new levels of beauty with the trunk, merging it with the natural environment and using it as the focal point. 

Notably, it is the conversion of parts of the trunk into seats. He has managed to create two unique seats with the trunk still in its primary location. One seat gives an admirable view overlooking Florence while the other stares directly into the old quarry’s rocky walls. All around the trunk itself are breathtaking views of the park for any lover of the natural space.

If you think sitting on a dead trunk will be boring, what about bathing? Well, for now, the water is imaginary, but the basin is real. Gnizio has managed to carve out a deep basin with sufficient resting space. An adult can lie on the floor of the basin looking upwards and enjoy the serene surrounding nature. Unfortunately, the basin is only for artistic purposes. You may not be able to bathe in it, but you will surely enjoy the views.

“Forsoultree speaks of beauty and respect and reminds us that nothing belongs to us on this earth, where we are simply passing guests,” explained Luca Gnizio. “By physically entering the tree, we can establish an intimate and sensory dialogue with that part of us that is innate.”

Born in 1981 in Lodi, Gnizio inspired many through his unique sense of art. He uses what could be termed as rejects in the traditional sense and turns them into meaningful art. Since 2009, he has introduced a new field of art known as ECOSOCIAL. This new field is now internationally recognized and is often used by fellow artists to communicate different issues in society. Most of his work is made of recycled materials pushing many to be ecologically and socially conscious.

Gnizio art offers an opportunity for us to learn more about our environment and also appreciate life as it is, saying, “Forsoultree takes us into the depths of things, where primitive sensations are born, and connects us through our senses with a piece of eternity.”

+ Luca Gnizio

Images via Alessio Guarino and Luca Gnizio

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/w1DPNKE
via Inhabitat

The most sustainable building in Germany is a timber beauty

Germany’s most sustainable building is in Berlin, and it’s a beauty. The EDGE Suedkreuz Berlin is a seven-story office complex consisting of two buildings comprising 32,000 square meters of floor space. It has been built by TCHOBAN VOSS Architekten using sustainable, climate and resource-saving techniques. Plus, it has a modular hybrid-timber construction that makes this hybrid-timber building one of the largest in Europe.

The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) certified the EDGE Suedkreuz Berlin project Germany’s most sustainable building in 2022. Since the summer of 2022, the building has served as the new German headquarters for energy supplier Vattenfall.

Related: Oregon green building design embraces timber throughout

This project was placed in a new urban district of Berlin that has mixed use buildings designated for housing, work, commercial outlets and cultural events. The larger of the two buildings is shaped like a trapezoid with an irregular footprint, and the second building has an elongated structure. The two buildings together form a street front facing Hedwig-Dohm-Strasse, including a new urban plaza with seating and green space outside.

The larger Carre building contains a light-filled atrium of 26 meters and two-story lobby of sever meters that faces the front plaza. The atrium is covered by a transparent ETFE foil roof supported by wood trusses. Glazed entrance area and panoramic windows complement the building’s floor-to-ceiling office windows for bright views from every angle, also helping to save on energy costs.

Additionally, under the foil roof are four tree trunk-shaped columns of lamellate spruce wood that stretch floor to ceiling like a greenhouse. At the base of each column is green space, surrounded by community and food areas. The “trees” carry platform structures for recreation and leisure at various heights. Filigree steps with white railings link the platforms and lead to office floors. On the fifth floor is a sky lounge with views and an exterior terrace overlooking the city. Wood is used throughout the building to act as support beams and decorative accents, giving the complex a true hybrid appearance. This design concept was developed by de Winder Architekten Berlin.

Moreover, the smaller Solitaire building of the EDGE complex also has a two-story lobby, with offices on floors two to seven located above a ground floor of eateries, and commercial spaces. You can access this second building through the plaza or by way of a central core with safety staircase and two elevators. Outside is a garden landscaped roof deck.

Both buildings are modular in layout for future proofing their functionality, the design avoiding load-bearing interior walls in favor of a circular space with a variety of possible uses. The pillars also house energy systems, including heat and power. The office spaces are air-conditioned via suspended smart ceilings. A basement garage makes space for 218-e-mobility spaces for tenants and 100 bicycle parking spaces with 32 additional exterior spots. All spaces are designed to be barrier free and accessible. Facades use weather resistant glass-fiber concrete panels, making them lightweight and recyclable. The facades also absorb CO2 in their thinly ground cement top layer, which decarbonizes the air around the facility.

EDGE Suedkreuz Berlin is the first project in Germany to be recorded for building construction with a 100% match on the MADASTER material database, with materials that can be reused and recycled. Prefab building panels and modules made construction more efficient with reduced construction waste and time. The hybrid combination of wood and concrete from CREE-Buildings can save up to 50% of CO2 per square meter of floor area compared to a traditional building. Even the roof of the Carre building was designed to be lightweight foil with filigree wood components to ensure better lighting inside and reduced material use while still withstanding wind loads of up to 100 kg.

EDGE Suedkreuz Berlin received the DGNB Platinum certificate with the highest score ever achieved in Germany of 95.4%. The complex was certified with DGNB Diamond for its outstanding design and architectural quality. The project also received a WELL v2 Platinum certification.

+ TCHOBAN VOSS Architekten

Images via HG ESCH and TCHOBAN VOSS Architekten

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/6hlRXIV
via Inhabitat

Nescaf prefab Brazil store is a 3D-printed spectacular

Designed by Estudio Guto Requena, the Dolce Gusto Neo Flagship store is a temporary commercial space located in a public park in São Paulo, Brazil. The project was created for the launch of Nescafé’s Dolce Gusto “Neo” coffee machines and pods, which feature recycled ocean plastics and biodegradable capsules.

The flagship store was designed using parametric design and fabricated using biodegradable 3D-printed materials. Parametric design used computer software that employed algorithms to create complex, intricate geometries. One such example of this is the building’s base, which uses a parametric waffle form that is milled using a Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machine. Because of these features, this building is the first of its kind in Latin America.

Related: 3D-printed recycled waste can be turned into insulated walls

The prefab structure is made of glue-laminated timber (GLT) made of pine. These were carefully cut to minimize waste. This was then capped with a lightweight 3D-printed shell. After the building serves its purpose in the next two years, it will be dismantled. The wood will be recycled and the biodegradable plaster shell will be crushed. This nutrient-rich powder can then be used as an agricultural fertilizer and will provide soils with calcium and sulfur to boost plant growth.

Moreover, the design stems from the coffee flower’s five petals, which come together to create a dome that is formed along five axes. In the center of the space, a round skylight brings in natural light and creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a temple with a biomimetic form. This creates a space with five entrances, equal in size and hierarchy. The entrances are flanked with glass to offer 360 degrees views out to the surrounding park.

To organize the interiors, the five “flower petals” that create the overall form serve as spaces for product displays. A circular screen made up of five LED panels showcases digital content.

Through its construction and location in a public park, the space achieves two key design intentions. Firstly, the project is accessible to the public and open to all. Secondly, the project’s design showcases the vast possibilities of sustainable design. The space encourages observers to reflect on how we design for the future, especially given the current climate crisis. This includes the use of innovative technologies and renewable materials.

+ Estudio Guto Requena

Images via Leonardo Finotti

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/rLS3BvP
via Inhabitat

Did you know these surprising solar panel facts?

Solar panels are by far the best applicable technology for converting solar energy to usable electricity today. With the sun available to us around the year, it is only reasonable to consider taping its energy for domestic use. Even so, the currently available photovoltaic solar cell technology is still not as efficient as desired. The cells used in most solar panels have an efficiency of about 15% to 20%. This means that only about 20% of the sun rays that reach the panel are converted to electricity.

While solar panels are still quite inefficient, they are the most affordable source of renewable energy. Further, they can be installed on a small scale, something that cannot be said about wind, geothermal or other renewable energy options. With this perspective in mind, individuals, governments and policymakers continue to push for the use of solar panels to achieve the net-zero target.

Related: Incredible new solar cells are thinner than human hair

There are many interesting facts about solar panels and solar energy at large that most people do not know. According to Eco Watch, solar power holds the largest potential of all renewable energy technologies. Consequently, it must be accorded a multi-sectoral approach to bring this potential to life. Individual electricity consumers have a role to play in the journey of adopting solar energy. If you are interested in learning more about solar panels, here are nine interesting facts you should know.

Fact #1 The earth receives a continuous supply of 173,000 terawatts of solar

Even on a cloudy day, the Earth still receives an enormous amount of solar energy. Given that the sun is centrally positioned with respect to the Earth, it never stops shining. At every given point in time, the sun is releasing 173,000 terawatts of energy to the Earth. In just one hour, the energy supplied by the sun could cover the energy needs of the entire world for a year.

With this factor in view, companies are coming up with technologies for capturing solar energy for efficient home cooking. For as long as the sun shines, solar energy technologies will continue to evolve.

Fact #2 Solar panels technology is almost 150 years old

Solar panels are just starting to take root in most regions. You might be fooled to think that solar panel technology is new. On the contrary, solar panels have been around since 1883. In fact, the first photovoltaic (PV) effect was demonstrated as early as 1839 by French scientist Edmond Becquerel. 

Although scientists started working on solar technology much earlier, it was until 1883 that the first solar cell was created by French scientist Charles Fritts. In 1884, the scientist installed the first solar panel on a roof in New York. In 1922, Albert Einstein was recognized with the Nobel Prize for his work on the photovoltaic effect, which revolutionized solar panel technology. However, the development of solar panels has taken a slow pace. For a long time, the world preferred fossil fuels and hydroelectric power. It was until 1954 that the first practical solar cell was developed by Bell Laboratories.

Even with the development of workable solar cells, the world has still been slow to adopt solar technology. 

Fact #3 Solar panels have more uses other than just lighting

We mostly know solar panels for their ability to convert sunlight into electricity for lighting. This line of thought has made it quite difficult for most people to use solar panels. It is often thought that the electricity supplied by solar panels is not sufficient to run other domestic purposes.

Contrary to this belief, solar panels have diverse uses. They can be used to heat water for domestic use and even charge electric cars. Ideally, solar panels can perform all functions your grid connection does. However, the functions performed by a solar panel will depend on the size of your panels and location.

Fact #4 Solar panels are now a popular home improvement

Solar panels are now considered one of the most popular home improvements. A Pew Research Center survey shows that up to 39% of U.S. homeowners are considering installing solar. In the previous year, up to 8% of homeowners had installed solar panels. Interestingly, even those under the age of 30 hold a similar perspective. This is an indication that both the young and the old value solar panel installation as part of their property development.

Fact #5 You do not need planning permission to install solar panels in most regions

Due to the need to speed up solar uptake, most jurisdictions allow the installation of solar panels without the need for planning permission. However, this is only applicable to small-scale installations such as domestic roof solar. If you intend to install a commercial-scale solar system you must undergo approvals. 

In most cities across the U.S., installing solar panels is not considered a new construction but rather a home remodeling project. For most such projects, you may not need planning permission.

With that in mind, some solar installation projects may need permission. For instance, if you are developing a new house with a solar panel roof, you must get a planning permit. In the U.K., solar panels are listed under Permitted Developments. In other words, you can install solar panels in the U.K. without obtaining planning permission in most localities. Even so, it is necessary to confirm with your local authorities before embarking on a solar remodeling project.

Fact #6 The solar panel industry has created millions of jobs

According to the United Nations, the renewable energy sector created over 700,000 new jobs globally in the year 2022 only. These figures are a complete contrast to what those who oppose of renewable energy tend to portray. One of the reasons why technologies such as solar panels have waited so long to be adopted is the myth that renewable energy causes the loss of jobs.

The U.K. expects to create up to 60, 000 new jobs by 2035  in the solar energy sector alone. This goes to show that solar panels do not only reduce carbon emissions but also create employment. 

Fact #7 Global solar panel costs continue to drop

As the world rushes to adopt clean energy, there have been efforts to lower the cost of renewables. One area that has benefited is the solar panels sector. There are several factors that have resulted in these price drops. According to an IRENA report, solar panels have dropped in price by up to 82% in the past decade due to advanced production technology, incentives and funding from financial institutions.

Although solar panels have already experienced a significant price drop, they may still see further drops. Many institutions and governments are now funding studies that are revealing alternatives to traditional solar cells. With new and cheaper solar cell technologies coming up, it is only a matter of time before solar becomes even more efficient and cheaper.

Fact #8 Installing a solar boosts your home value

Solar panels are not only popular due to the energy they provide but also for the value they add to a home. Most people who install solar panels also think about the value it adds to their homes. A recent study by RICS  on properties in the U.K. found that homes with solar panels attracted up to a 2% increase in value. The same study also found that it takes approximately 10 years to repay your solar system. Considering that most people stay in their homes for more than 10 years installing solar offers financial benefits as well. Homeowners who do not resell their homes within a decade can enjoy more than 10 years of electricity free of bills.

Fact #9 Solar panel recycling is possible 

Solar panels are considered one of the best clean energy sources except for the fact that they are not fully recyclable. Most panels end up in landfills once they come to the end of their lifespan. More perturbing is the fact that they contain some toxic substances such as lead and cadmium that can harm the environment. However, solar panels are predominantly made up of silicon, which can be recycled. New findings now show that solar panel recycling is possible if necessary steps are taken.

Images via Pexels

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/UndOVSe
via Inhabitat