New roof paint cools homes and pulls water from air
Researchers created a roof paint that reflects 97% of sunlight and collects water from air, cooling indoor spaces by up to 6°C.
Why it matters
- Innovative dual-purpose solution for cooling and water collection.
- Potential to address water scarcity and reduce energy use for cooling.
By the numbers
- Reflects up to 97% of sunlight.
- Cools indoor spaces by up to 6°C (11°F).
- Generates up to 390 mL of water per square meter daily.
- Captured dew more than 30% of the year in trials.
The big picture
- Sustainable, low-cost solution for water collection and cooling.
- Could be especially beneficial in arid regions facing water scarcity.
- Being scaled up for commercial use.
What they're saying
- Users on Reddit are excited about potential urban heat island mitigation.
- Concerns about long-term maintenance, such as algae growth.
- Experts highlight the potential for supplementary water collection.
Caveats
- Still in early stages of commercialization.
- Water collection rate depends on humidity levels.
What’s next
- Development of water-based paint formulation for easy application.
- Commercial release expected soon.