The following was posted earlier today. Since then, it’s come to my attention that this story may have been a hoax. See the comment below it and judge for yourself.
Solar panels are generally made of silicon, but an 18-year old from Nepal may have changed that.
With an eye on providing the world with cheap electrical power, Milan Karki says hair is easy to use as a conductor in solar panels and could revolutionize renewable energy. Using hair instead of silicon, a rather expensive component to solar panels, Karki explained, these kinds of panels could be produced at a low cost for those with no access to power.
Initially created as a science experiment with 4 classmates, the teenagers feel this could have wide acceptance and commercial viability. Currently, his prototype produces 9 V (18 W) of energy and costs around £23 to make from raw materials.
“We’ve already sent a couple out to the districts to test for feasibility,’ said Karki.
According to an article in today’s Daily Mail, it’s estimated the solar-hair panel is four times cheaper than an industrially-made solar panel with comparable capacity.
Should he be able to prove this novel and innovative concept works consistently, imagine the possibilities! A true eco-friendly solar panel, with an endless supply of renewable material! Trust a teenager to come up with such a brilliant idea.
Thanks for making such a killer blog. I come on here all the time and am floored with the fresh information here.
Likely hoax. Please see: http://sites.google.com/site/edwardcraighyatt/hairsolarpanelnepal