Words by Smiley Team
A new, paper-thin solar film – a little bit like a sticker that can fit on roof panels – could help the UK generate more renewable energy.
Currently, the most recent data shows us that solar accounts for around 4% of Britain’s total electricity generation – this is up from 3.1% in 2016. Solar power is the third most generated renewable energy in the UK.
Thanks to technology, we can capture solar energy sourced from the sun and use it to power our homes and businesses. But solar panels can be expensive, which is why a new company in Sunderland – called Power Roll – looked for an alternative solution.
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The thin solar film Power Roll has created will be more affordable and easier to install on roofs of houses, they say. It's described as a “unique, flexible, light weight solar film” that’s capable of producing ultra-low-cost green electricity, which is up to 20 times cheaper to make.
In September 2020, Power Roll confirmed it had raised £2.8m of investment to commercialise its solar film. The investment comprises £2m of equity and £0.8m of convertible loans as part of the Future Fund scheme set up by the UK government.
“The success of our funding round and the quality of our investors reflects the global commercial potential for our technology,” said Neil Spann, managing director, Power Roll, at the time.
“There’s huge potential for solar and energy storage in a vast range of new applications including non-load-bearing rooftops, building integration, transport, off-grid and even powering Internet of Things sensors.”
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Most recently, Power Roll has collaborated with a Derbyshire-based community group – Save Alfreton Countryside (SAC) – to build a business case for rooftop solar as an alternative to a proposed 50 MW solar farm, which is seeking planning consent on a 300-acre greenfield site.
The business is still in testing phases, but they’re hoping to start selling this film in mid-2022.
