Red Onion Skins: An Unexpected Ally in the Fight for Sustainable Solar Energy

Researchers from the University of Turku have developed a bio-based UV protection film for solar cells using an extract from red onion skins. This film outperforms commercial plastic films, blocking almost all harmful UV light while maintaining high visible light transmittance. The key is anthocyanins and other compounds in the onion skin that provide both UV absorption and stability. This sustainable alternative could revolutionize solar cell protection, especially for applications like smart packaging and wearable devices where recycling is difficult.