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New Hydrogel Coating Boosts Solar Power by 13%

2/2/2026

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Story summary
  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and collaborators developed a hydrogel cooling coating for solar panels that increases power output by 13%.
  • The coating reduces hotspot temperatures by 16 degrees Celsius.
  • Hotspots can lead to solar panel failures and fire risks.
  • The technology could offset 50% of power generation losses from hotspots.
  • The hydrogel system raises solar panel costs by about 10.7%.