Research into alternative energies is a top priority for many countries worldwide. In fact, biophotovoltaic technology is entering the market just as traditional fossil fuels are beginning to give way to cleaner, more sustainable alternative energy sources. In this context, solar ivy is a novelty and is rapidly becoming the new normal thanks to Sustainably Minded Interactive Technology (SMIT), an innovative New York-based company, and its commitment to bringing this project to fruition.
The new electrical device: a project led by students at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City
To provide some context, the new solar ivy uses photovoltaic moss, which takes the form of the traditional moss we see in wet patios and building irrigation systems. The launch of this new electrical device capable of powering buildings was initiated through the Sustainable Campus Initiative Funds (SCIF), led by students at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Initially, the students launched it as a grant to fund a project that impacts the well-being of people and the environment.
Given the incredible reception of this technology, experts in the field decided to investigate further to offer consumers a 21st-century alternative. This is where urban architecture and nature took on a fundamental role in transforming cities into veritable power plants. According to the University’s official news archive, a system using photovoltaic moss subsequently emerged that generates enough energy to power an entire building. This moss is rapidly becoming an important source of electricity generation, producing 0.5 watts per leaf, using the basic principles of photovoltaic solar technology.
The process involves a function that transforms light energy into stable chemical energy
To properly understand this evolution, this emerging method consists of using the natural process of photosynthesis to generate electrical energy. As is well known, this involves the conversion of inorganic matter into organic matter, thanks to the energy that light provides to plants. In this particular case, the research project at the University was led by Tom Melburn, an environmental studies student. His project, initially conceived as a grant, received approximately two-thirds of its $42,000 cost, a notable achievement in the SCIF Annual Reports. The process involves a function that transforms light energy into stable chemical energy. This system is viable with all types of plants; however, moss is the species whose properties favor the process. The remaining third of the investment was distributed to the university community through a public announcement, as detailed in the journal Continuum.
High drought tolerance, the fact that it requires no maintenance or fertilizers
In short, Solar Ivy is a photovoltaic moss composition, molded and installed in an attractive way, to generate electricity that powers a building. It takes the form of ivy growing on the building’s surface and is capable of offsetting the amount of energy the building purchases from an electric company. Among the advantages that make moss the leading champion of this technological advancement are its high drought tolerance, the fact that it requires no maintenance or fertilizers, its ability to absorb large quantities of water, and the strength it demonstrates when supporting weight loads. This innovative application is part of a broader shift towards Building Integrated Photovoltaics, researched by national laboratories.
We must consider the fact that moss is already very common in most cities worldwide, almost always hidden in cracks in pavement, on walls, or in trees. Furthermore, we are dealing with a biological material that represents a much cheaper, more durable, biodegradable, and sustainable energy source than other existing options. On the other hand, the installation of these solar panels has already begun and is expected to be fully operational in some buildings. These projects typically comply with Federal Sustainable Design Standards to ensure efficiency. Observe how this photovoltaic moss is gaining ground in the energy industry, as is this innovative reverse photovoltaics, which transforms nighttime into energy. Therefore, this moss is becoming the new normal and is poised to reach a new level of utilization.