Biowaste UV filters for solar

Researchers dyed nanocellulose films with red onion‑skin extract to block 99.9% of UV up to 400 nm while transmitting >80% of useful near‑IR light, protecting dye‑sensitized solar cells. Predictive modeling suggests these bio‑based filters could extend cell lifetime to ~8,500 hours versus ~1,500 hours for PET films. — Replacing fossil‑plastic encapsulation with biodegradable, waste‑derived materials reframes the solar supply chain as a decarbonization target, not just power generation.