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Cornell Unveils Innovative Flexible Solar Panels

Staff Report / FLXlocal.org

**Cornell Researchers Develop Bio-Inspired Flexible Solar Panels**

Researchers at Cornell University have unveiled an innovative approach to photovoltaic technology that may revolutionize solar energy adoption. Called "HelioSkin," this advanced solar material is designed to be lightweight, flexible, and visually appealing, addressing limitations of traditional solar panels that are rigid and often unattractive.

The project is led by Jenny Sabin, a professor in the Cornell University College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, in collaboration with physicist Itai Cohen and plant biologist Adrienne Roeder. The team is exploring how flexible, fabric-like solar panels could adapt to unique structures and environments, wrapping around complex shapes while optimizing their position to absorb sunlight.

Inspired by nature, Sabin draws on cues from biology to develop materials that respond and adapt to environmental changes. Her work aims to mimic the resilience of natural systems, using the concept of sun-tracking plants, which gain a photosynthetic advantage by aligning themselves with sunlight. This idea informs the design of HelioSkin to enhance sustainability and efficiency in architecture.

Buildings in the United States currently account for 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. Heating, cooling, and lighting alone contribute to 28% of CO2 emissions. Sabin and her collaborators hope that the scalable HelioSkin technology will encourage widespread adoption of solar energy among homeowners and businesses, reducing the environmental impact of buildings.

With their combined expertise in architecture, physics, and plant biology, the researchers continue to push the boundaries of solar technology by fusing interdisciplinary methods. By mimicking the strategies used in nature, they are aiming to create resilient, adaptable building materials that support sustainable practices in the long term.

For more details, visit the Cornell Chronicle's full article.

Source: Cornell University

Source Type: College

Source Location: Ithaca

Feb 25, 2025 at 12:20 AM

College