Even newer and more efficient solar panel models typically only convert about 22 percent of the light they capture into energy. Part of this is because, as they are angled in one direction, they only receive sunlight during certain hours of the day. A new and revolutionary design is looking to solve this problem.
The new design, published in Joule last week by researchers from the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, details a solar design that both tilts on its axis to follow the path of the sun and also captures reflected light off the ground on the underside of the panels. This is done with the help of a GPS system which calculates the path of the sun around the panels.
Although models that are double-sided or follow the path of the sun are in production, very few combine the two energy-saving technologies. With the help of data from NASA’s Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System, field data on global sunlight patterns from three different institutes, and data on how much radiation a panel face can take in based on its orientation to the ground, the team figured out that no matter where in the world you put them, they would be the most cost-effective form of solar panel.
The new panels capture 35 percent more energy than immobile single-panel systems and are 16 percent more cost-efficient. Although solar contracts would have to be manipulated when the new technology goes into use, it’s more than worth it considering the cost and energy efficiency potential. The team thinks this new solar innovation will take over the market very shortly, so don’t be surprised if you see the solar panels in your neighborhood moving around of their own accord in the near future.
