Finnish researchers show that the skin of red onions protects solar panels

In Finland, a team of researchers from University of Turku, Aalto University and Wageningen University has demonstrated red onion skins can extend the lifespan of solar panels.

Biodegradable films made from a mixture of nanocellulose and red onion skin extract protected solar panels from damaging ultraviolet light. The new film outperformed traditional polyethylene terephthalate films and other biobased films in a 1,000-hour test of artificial solar irradiation.  The test monitored both the protective films and the solar cells underneath, observing visual changes and measuring light transmittance.

“The study emphasized the importance of long-term testing for UV filters, as the UV protection and light transmittance of the other biobased filters changed significantly over time,” said University of Turku researcher Rustem Nizamov.

The project forms part of a wider push for Finland to use its vast forest resources.