A&B Smart Materials won this year’s CleanTech Challenge (CTC) with its novel solar panel cooling solution, receiving £20,000 for developing and improving its technology.

Accordingly a report published by the World Economic Forum, excessive heat can lead to a reduction in the efficiency of solar panels, leading to a reduction in approx. 0.5 percentage points per degree Celsius increase at temperature. And solar farms around the world lose up to 25% of their energy production just from overheating.

Supported by a team with a rich background in thermal engineering, nanotechnology and Smart Materials, A&B Smart Materials passive cooling technology using novel hydrogels has the potential to increase energy production by 5%. It absorbs atmospheric water at night released by evaporation during the day and cools the solar panel during operating hours.

The first prototypes are being tested at Oxford University’s Begbroke Science Park. The company is also applying for a patent and plans to partner with solar farms worldwide to combine this technology.

“The £20,000 prize will play a crucial role in the further development of our business as it allows us to further develop and test our solar cooling gel technology which will ultimately bring us closer to the market. We cannot stress enough what an amazing experience this has been for A&B Smart Materials and we are excited to continue on our path to revolutionize solar panel efficiency and make a positive impact on the environment,” said Amaury van Trappen de Buggenoms and Benjamin White, founders of A&B Smart Materials.

The CleanTech Challenge is an international business pitch competition created by students for students with innovative clean technology ideas. It is co-hosted by London Business School (LBS) and University College London (UCL) with the aim of helping students develop their clean technology concepts into viable businesses.

“Organizing the CleanTech Challenge was an incredible opportunity to connect with the European cleantech entrepreneurship ecosystem,” said Sami Walter, President of the CleanTech Challenge.

All current university students, including those pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees at recognized higher education institutions worldwide are eligible to participate in the Challenge.