Luminescent Solar Concentrator Paintings: Connecting Art and Energy

Abstract

The increased awareness of greenhouse gas emissions on long-term climate trends has put the spotlight back on the development of renewable energy technologies to mitigate these processes. Solar based electricity generation has gained widespread recognition as a viable source of renewable energy but has been slowed by a number of factors including cost and available application areas. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) are being investigated as a low-cost route to expand solar energy harvesting into new spaces. With this demonstration, we develop kits for educating students about renewable and solar energy while promoting a sense of creativity often lacking in STEM demonstrations. Students design LSC devices by painting newly developed luminescent dyes on plastic waveguides. Thin solar cell strips are mounted around the edges of the LSC paintings to generate power. Creativity in design, a central part of scientific discovery and advancement, is promoted throughout the painting and testing of LSC materials.