Carbon dioxide emissions, greenhouse effect

Lack of accessibility of renewable energy sources, especially in developing countries

Extraction and recycle of materials used for solar panels

Moss solar panels (moss microbial fuel cells) are a potential game-changing solution for generating renewable energy from sunlight.

Moss solar panels utilize the photosynthesis process of moss to generate electricity

All plants, including moss, can photosynthesize, but moss was chosen due to its efficiency in converting sunlight into glucose and adaptability to various climate conditions.

The operating principle of moss solar panels involves the transfer of glucose produced by moss to the soil, where electrogenic bacteria present in the soil produce electricity through anaerobic respiration.

Moss microbial fuel cells (MMFCs) are a type of microbial fuel cells that utilize moss photosynthesis as the source of organic matter.

MMFCs use electrogenic bacteria that transfer electrons to an electrode or another electron acceptor during respiration.

MMFCs are typically soil-based, using bacteria present in soil to generate electricity, which simplifies the system and allows for easy cultivation of moss on soil.

Moss-based designs have the advantage of increased power output compared to plant-based designs due to the smaller size and lower growth rate of the moss system.

The basic structure of a soil-based MMFC design includes an anode, a cathode, soil, and moss.

The selection of a correct anode material is critical for optimal performance, but corrosion and instability of the anode over time can be a concern.

The cathode material must possess high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and be biocompatible for electroactive bacteria attachment and growth.

Soil provides a natural habitat for electroactive bacteria, which can transfer electrons to the anode of the MMFC. Compost is a particularly attractive option due to its high bacterial content.

Moss has the ability to retain moisture and nutrients, providing a stable and consistent environment for microbial growth, and is an attractive choice due to its low growth rate and small size to

Graphite felt is used as the cathode, which was made hydrophilic by soaking in alcohol and washing with water.

Compost is collected from the backyard to create a mini-environment for bacteria growth.

Copper net is used as the anode due to its great electrical conductivity. The net was made by soldering copper wires together and connected with a wire.

Second layer of compost is added to make a base layer for moss.

Moss is used as the top layer of the MMFC for photosynthesis, nutrient storage, and insulation.

Creates renewable and clean energy

During the process of photosynthesis, the moss takes carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and improves air quality

Moss isolates the surface of the building.

Moss decorates the exterior, which improves the look of the building

Economic benefits

Algae solar panels

Green roofs

Plant microbial fuel cells

The solar panels support the growth of moss in various climate conditions, making them suitable for use in many parts of the world.

The solar panels are designed to be simple and affordable, making them easy to install and maintain. They are also lighter than traditional solar panels, making them easier to transport and install.

The moss that grows on the panels acts as a natural filter, trapping pollutants and improving air quality.

The solar panels are versatile and adaptable, suitable for use on a wide range of surfaces and inclines, including steep roofs.

The solar panels are highly cost-effective as they require no fertilizers or other expensive inputs, making them cheaper to maintain than traditional solar panels.

In these tests you can see the voltage output of our latest prototype under various conditions