How tech could turn our homes into renewable energy power stations

Solar-powered paint and windows are part of a revolution that means all parts of buildings touched by the sun could soon generate power, writes Anthony Cuthbertson

Tesla’s Solar Roof is one of a number of emerging technologies that could transform where and how we live (Tesla)

In 1866, Napoleon III was presented with a solar-powered device that its inventor claimed could provide inexhaustible energy. The Emperor of France was so impressed by Augustin Mouchot’s Solar Concentrator that he granted the maths teacher funding to continue its development.

The success of Mouchot’s invention – which was the size of a small house – meant solar energy started to be taken seriously as a potential alternative to coal, and scientists got to work on improving and adapting the technology for residential applications. Within a few decades, thousands of homes across the US were fitted with solar water heating systems that could heat homes, warm food and wash clothes. However, the oil boom in the 20th century saw the popularity of clean energy collapse.

It took until the 1973 oil crisis for solar to regain mainstream attention, and 50 years of technological advances later we may now be on the cusp of realising the revolutionary potential seen by the early pioneers of renewable energy.