Something to consider for new hospital builds?
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Solar cells turn light into electricity. Any light going through the solar cells (for transparency) is not being turned into electricity. So these cells are probably not very efficient.
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Interesting thought, not an expert in solar technology, but it makes me wonder, is the solar cell build to utilise the whole light spectrum or only part, and if so, could you argue that pushing it towards the UV or infrared end of the spectrum minimise the loss of transparency without impacting the efficiency of electricity generation.
I feel a deep dive into solar cell technology ahead…
I’ve read a little on this, but would not call myself an expect, but as far as I know:
The visible spectrum of light is where the majority of the power is available from sunlight.
UV is more energetic, but I think the atmosphere blocks most of it.
Transparent solar cells tend to work in the infra-red spectrum, and can harvest maybe 20% as much as standard cells.
Moving our facilities towards a more sustainable future will become a requirement. Any monies that can be saved from energy generation can be put back into patient care (or even power sold back to the grid as a revenue source?) Something like this, if effective would be great considering how many windows a hospital building has.
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