New Paint Eliminates the need for Mirrors in Solar Arrays

A new paint has been invented by a team at MIT which eliminates the need for mirrors to concentrate the solar energy. After applying this coating to either glass or plastic; the paint absorbs the light, then re-emits it on the other side of the glass.

The light is then sent all the way to the edges. This means you only have to place solar cells along the edges of the glass, making it much cheaper. One of the intended applications is in buildings with lots of windows.

This is not a new idea, it has actually been around since the 1970's. But until now, the paint would cause too much of an energy loss to be useful. This technology should reach consumers sometime within the next three years.

For more information, See:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7501476.stm