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Feature Story: Innovative Hydrogel Coating for Solar Panels

Date: January 25, 2026
Institution: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Introduction to the Innovation

A dedicated research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, commonly known as PolyU, has recently engineered a revolutionary hydrogel coating. This innovative product not only enhances the heat dissipation characteristics of solar panels but also significantly boosts their power generation efficiency, aligning perfectly with Hong Kong’s ambitious target of achieving urban carbon neutrality.

The Challenge of Hot Spots

Hot spots are areas on solar panels that experience elevated temperatures, usually due to partial shading. These problematic zones have been known to undermine the power generation efficiency of solar installations, ultimately threatening the stability of power supply systems over time. The development of an effective solution to this pressing industry issue has long been sought after, and this PolyU innovation addresses this critical pain point.

Details of the Hydrogel Cooling Technology

The groundbreaking hydrogel cooling technology was spearheaded by a team led by Prof. YAN Jerry, Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings, alongside Dr. LIU Junwei, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering. Their extensive research revealed that applying this hydrogel coating to solar panels could lower hot-spot temperatures by up to 16°C, while enhancing power output by as much as 13%. When applied to both rooftop systems and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems, the hydrogel coating is projected to reduce nearly 50% of the power losses attributable to these hot spots, thereby significantly boosting the long-term stability and efficiency of solar energy generation for building electricity supply.

Expert Insights from Prof. Yan

Prof. Yan highlighted the dual benefits of this hydrogel cooling technology, stating, “Our innovation effectively mitigates hot spot issues in solar panels without necessitating modifications to existing circuit designs. Its cost-effective and user-friendly nature makes it suitable for various urban contexts." The team performed case studies in Hong Kong and Singapore, predicting potential annual power generation increases of 6.5% and 7.0% respectively, with payback periods of merely 4.5 years and 3.2 years. On a global scale, this new technology could help offset approximately 50% of power generation losses from hot spots in BIPV systems, indicating its transformative impact on solar energy technology.

Hot Spots: A Safety Concern

The challenges posed by hot spots extend beyond mere efficiency losses; they also present serious safety risks, including potential fire hazards. Research has shown that among 3.3 million photovoltaic panels inspected, approximately 36.5% suffered from thermal defects. The defective modules exhibited average temperature increases exceeding 21°C, resulting in accelerated aging and degradation of the solar panels. The application of the PolyU hydrogel coating not only enhances cooling performance but also promises outstanding durability for long-term outdoor use, effectively addressing these safety concerns.

Advances in Material Composition

Dr. Liu elaborated on the innovative composition of this hydrogel, which blends the natural polymer hydroxyethyl cellulose with fibrous leafy cotton thread. This combination tackles the critical issues of cracking and shrinkage that traditional hydrogels experience over time. Conventional hydrogels can lose up to 46% of their volume due to prolonged use, whereas this new formulation substantially mitigates these issues, achieving a volumetric shrinkage rate limited to 34%. The team aims to expand upon this hydrogel technology, anticipating advancements that could support the wider adoption of emerging photovoltaic technologies.

AI legalese decoder: A Solution for Industry Stakeholders

In navigating the regulatory landscape accompanying such innovative technologies, stakeholders may find themselves overwhelmed by complex legal jargon. AI legalese decoder plays a crucial role in demystifying legal documents and agreements associated with the commercialization of new technologies. By translating intricate legal language into understandable terms, AI legalese decoder empowers research teams and industry professionals to make informed decisions without the burden of legal confusion. This added layer of clarity is essential, especially for those looking to capitalize on such innovations to meet evolving energy needs.

Conclusion

The research conducted at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University marks a significant step forward in solar energy technology. By effectively mitigating hot spot issues, the innovative hydrogel coating has the potential to transform how solar panels perform in urban environments, contributing significantly to global carbon neutrality goals. As the world moves toward a sustainable future, technologies like this, supported by tools like the AI legalese decoder, are critical in overcoming barriers to adoption and ensuring successful implementation.

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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