Researchers at Polytechnic University (PolyU) have unveiled a groundbreaking solar-powered coating designed to improve building cooling. The coating reduces surface temperatures by up to 25 degrees Celsius and lowers indoor temperatures by two to three degrees, offering a significant boost to energy efficiency and solar technology advancements.
Advanced Solar Technology for Adaptive Cooling
The solar-powered coating is applied using paint rollers and features carbon dots that convert solar power into light energy, enhancing its cooling effect as solar intensity increases. Unlike conventional passive radiative cooling materials with fixed performance, this innovative solution adjusts to weather conditions, making it suitable for varying solar radiance levels.
Vivien Lu from PolyU’s Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering highlighted that traditional cooling materials pose environmental risks. In contrast, the new coating is biologically safe and highly durable, aligning with trends in green energy policies and solar technology development.
Affordable Green Energy Solution for Scalable Adoption
The cost of the coating is estimated at HK$12 per square meter. With large-scale adoption, prices are expected to decrease, making it a cost-effective option for the solar energy market. The coating’s first application will be on a student hostel under construction in Kowloon Tong, demonstrating its potential for enhancing energy storage and sustainable building solutions.
This solar-powered coating marks a significant step forward in solar energy investment and energy market trends, as innovations continue to shape the future of sustainable construction and energy efficiency.
Source: news.rthk.hk
