# Self-Healing Solar Panels Purdue University Develops Solar Cells That Auto-Repair Like Plants By Jordan M | Published 2011-02-12 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/self-healing-solar-panel References: [spie.org](http://spie.org/x41475.xml?ArticleID=x41475) One drawback to current solar technology is how expensive and time-consuming it can be to repair damaged cells, but Purdue University is hoping to solve that potential problem with its self-healing solar panel technology. These self-healing solar panels generate energy from the sun's energy, but the similarities to conventional solar cells end there. These cells, unlike artificial ones, take their cues from nature by being able to regenerate themselves as they degrade and need replacing. If the technology proves successful, it could be a dramatic game-changer for cheaper solar energy. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Self-healing Technology:** Self-healing technology is disrupting the solar industry by eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming repairs. - **Bio-inspired Innovation:** Bio-inspired innovation is driving the development of self-repairing technology, which in turn has the potential to revolutionize solar energy production. - **Autonomous Regeneration:** Autonomous regeneration technology is enabling solar cells to self-repair and adapt to environmental changes, making them more reliable and efficient. ### Who This Affects Most - **Solar Energy:** Self-healing solar panels are disrupting the solar energy industry by offering a more cost-effective and practical alternative to traditional solar technology. - **Renewable Energy:** Renewable energy companies are in a prime position to benefit from the development of self-healing solar panels, which have enormous potential in terms of scalability and sustainability. - **Green Technology:** Self-healing solar panels represent the next generation of green technology by offering a truly innovative solution to the challenges of solar panel maintenance and repair. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Solar Panel Cleaning Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-cleaning-system.md) - [Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cell.md) - [UV Protection Developments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfrepairing-uv-tech.md) - [Colored Glass Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-solar-panels.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md) - [Tree-Inspired Solar Panel Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarbotanic-energy-tree.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sego-innovations.md)