One of the reason the solar energy has become unaffordable in underdeveloped countries is the cost involved in the purchase of solar panels. Two teens in Nepal, Milan Karki and Harihar Adhikari, have developed a low cost solar panel from human hair. Silicon dioxide, cupreous oxide, copper wire, glass, plywood and black hair is all they required to prepare the solar panel. The 17 year olds doing their 12th, produced 8 volt 18 watts electricity from an assembly of 1/2 kg of hair.

They sure made news in National papers in Nepal (Gorkhapatra, Nepal, Weekly news) but it is not clear how practical the electricity is in terms of durability and how they compare with photovoltaic panel. To me it seems too simplistic a method to be overlooked until now. If the invention can add value to the energy sector, the government should fund the research and help it develop as a commercial product.

Watch the video to know more about the “invention” (video is removed).