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Eco-friendly advocates as well as hairdressers, are excited with the break-through of a new type of solar panel. From diamonds to solar panels, hairdressers may find they may be able to make a lot more money from the byproducts of their hairdressing salons.
Just as technology was used to create cultured pearls, now technology provides a method whereby diamonds can be created from human hair. The value of this new technology was demonstrated when it was announced that 10 diamonds would be created from a lock of Michael Jackson’s hair.
The use of human hair has, however, been taken once step further as Milan Karki, an 18 year old student, from a rural village in Nepal, says he can create a new type of renewable energy solar panel by using human hair. Most of the people for the village Milan grew up in, are illiterate, still living in the same way as many of their ancestors did.
Silicon is normally the basis for most solar panels, but Milan says he can produce a human hair-based solar panel, that creates 8watt of electricity. “If mass produced they could be sold for a quarter of the price of those already on the market", Milan said. “We've already sent two of the panels out to the districts, to test for feasibility. The villagers were very cautious at first".
Milan attends school in the capital, Kathmandu. “I wanted to provide electricity for my home, then my village. Now I am thinking for the whole world.”
Milan gained inspiration for his invention after reading physicist Stephen Hawking’s book on creating static energy from hair. Melanin, is a pigment which gives hair its colour and is light sensitive, acting as a conductor. Milan and four classmates originally made the solar panel as an experiment, but the teenagers are convinced it has wide application and is commercial viable.
Hair will degrade at a faster rate than the more expensive silicon, Kariki admits, but people can readily replace the hair themselves, as the solar panels require very little maintenance. The solar panel can charge a mobile phone, or a pack of batteries capable of providing light all evening.
Costing around $50, Milan’s invention could provide a massive break through for developing countries, where electricity is still a luxury. “Half a kilo of hair can be purchased for only 16p in Nepal and lasts for a few months, whereas a pack of batteries would cost 50p and last a few nights” said Milan.
Three years after first coming up with the idea, Milan says the idea is more important than ever because of the crucial need for renewable energies in the face of finite power sources and global warming.
Dr Wendy Stenberg-Tendys and her husband are CEO's of YouMe Support Foundation (http://youmesupport.org) provide high school education grants for children who are without hope. You can help in this really great project by taking a few minutes to check it the Tropical Island Treasure Chest at Win a Resort (http://winaresort.com) It really will change your life.
Feel free to contact Wendy on admin@youmesupport.org
