New solar technology - 3d solar panels

[Mustang65]

NEW SOLAR TECHNOLOGY - 3D SOLAR PANELS

Ahhh finally some new technology in the SOLAR panel industry that could have an BIG impact on RVing with SOLAR! Hopefully, if all goes well, the prototype and production should start next year.

Imagine a 600 watt SOLAR panel in the same footprint of the current 72cell panel with an efficiency of 33%. That will be AMAZING!!!

So what is this new SOLAR 3D? Here is the LINK to the article.

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[Crossingover]

Will be watching for this as we are waiting for a better (more efficient) opportunity to solarize our rig. Thanks, Don, for the heads-up.

[NorCal Eagle]

Originally Posted by Mustang65

NEW SOLAR TECHNOLOGY - 3D SOLAR PANELS

Ahhh finally some new technology in the SOLAR panel industry that could have an BIG impact on RVing with SOLAR! Hopefully, if all goes well, the prototype and production should start next year.

Imagine a 600 watt SOLAR panel in the same footprint of the current 72cell panel with an efficiency of 33%. That will be AMAZING!!!

So what is this new SOLAR 3D? Here is the LINK to the article.

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

Wow, 33% efficiency would be incredible! Can’t wait to see this hit the solar market.

[RetiredLEO]

Now if the price of Lithium battery's would get more reasonable

[Screwby]

Looks interesting, my concern would be shedding debris or snow/ice in certain conditions. The benefit of a smooth slick panel is ease of care/cleaning and “self cleaning” due to gravity or wind. I could see a corrugated surface trapping and collecting debris and being a pain in the butt to keep clean. Maybe not, but if you gain a percentage due to their shape, but then lose percentage because they stay dirtier? Just playing Devils Advocate

[Atlee]

Could a clear glass cover be put over the corrugated surface. Or would a clear glass cover be too reflective and reduce efficiency?

Originally Posted by Screwby

Looks interesting, my concern would be shedding debris or snow/ice in certain conditions. The benefit of a smooth slick panel is ease of care/cleaning and “self cleaning” due to gravity or wind. I could see a corrugated surface trapping and collecting debris and being a pain in the butt to keep clean. Maybe not, but if you gain a percentage due to their shape, but then lose percentage because they stay dirtier? Just playing Devils Advocate

[Screwby]

Originally Posted by Atlee

Could a clear glass cover be put over the corrugated surface. Or would a clear glass cover be too reflective and reduce efficiency?

Reading through the article one of their main reasons for the shape was that a flat surface reflected a percentage of the light needed for energy absorption? At least that was my understanding. It’s a great idea to catch light from all angles, I see what they are trying to do, but in real world application I know how dirty my panels can get. On the edges around the frames dirt and debris get caught and need “scrubbed” off. I’m picturing trying to clean this new style more often because the gunk doesn’t shed off like a flat surface and needing to use a long bristled brush to scrub it clean enough to justify its existence. Now a corrugated style covered by a flat sheet of non-reflective coated glass....if that’s what they are thinking, could be cool?