An investigation of a wash-durable solar energy harvesting textile

Abstract

This work demonstrates a novel and sustainable energy solution in the form of a photovoltaic fabric that can deliver a reliable energy source for wearable and mobile devices. The solar fabric was woven using electronic yarns created by embedding miniature crystalline silicon solar cells connected with fine copper wires within the fibres of a textile yarn. This approach of integrating solar energy harvesting capability within the heart of the textile fabric allows it to retain the flexibility, three-dimensional deformability, and moisture and heat transfer characteristics of the fabric. In this investigation, both the design and performance of the solar cell embedded yarns and solar energy harvesting fabrics were explored. These yarns and resultant fabrics were characterised under different light intensities and at different angles of incident light, a critical factor for a wearable device. The solar cell embedded yarns woven into fabrics can undergo domestic laundering and maintained ~90% of their original power output after 15 machine wash cycles. The solar fabric embedded with 200 solar cells demonstrated here (44.5 mm × 45.5 mm active area) was capable of continuously generating ~2.15 mW/cm2 under one sun illumination and was capable of powering a basic mobile phone. The power generation capability and durability of the solar energy harvesting fabric proved its viability to power wearable devices as an integral part of regular clothing.