US Researchers Develop Paint That Reflects 98% of Sunlight
What Happened
Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a special white self-cooling paint designed for building roofs. The paint reflects up to 98% of sunlight and releases heat into space through a natural atmospheric window, helping surfaces stay cooler than the surrounding air. During outdoor testing in Tampa, Florida, the paint cooled surfaces by up to 13.5°F (around 7.5°C) below ambient temperature over a 28-day period. The research team, led by Professor Yogi Goswami, is now working on a transparent protective coating to improve its durability against rain and wind before commercialisation.
Key Takeaways
The technology could help reduce indoor heat and dependence on air conditioning, potentially lowering electricity bills, especially in hot regions. The professor estimates that energy bills could fall by as much as 50%, but this is a projection rather than a demonstrated household saving. The paint is not yet commercially available, and further work is underway to prepare it for real-world use.
Sources
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