The bio-photovoltaic systems using algae to convert sunlight into electricity for home are developing by Paolo Bombelli, a Cambridge University doctoral candidate which work together with two designers Alex Driver and Carlo Peralta. The concepts will use bio-photovoltaic to produce power with artificial photosynthesis which can produce power about 5-6 watts per square meters.
The designs are similar to lily pads which consists of algae-coated panels in each pad. It's will convert solar energy into electricity and save it along daytime. When the night, the system would able to work using excess electrons inside of algae cells which being stored during daylight.
The other design is solar masts covered by algae. The team chose algae because they can multiply rapidly. Algae will be used to collecting sunlight. The water for algae will be obtained from underground sources to get a self sufficient system. The Bio-photovoltaic masts also able
to collect rain water which is required.The plant-powered designs will be presented at the upcoming London design week. In the next few years, the bio-photovoltaic systems are expected to compete with conventional solar panels that already exist.
