Angled Solar Cell and Reflector Layout for Higher Light Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel designs are inefficient in material usage and costly due to the arrangement of solar cells and reflectors, which either waste sunlight or require complex geometries and mechanical tracking systems, and lack protection from the elements.
Innovation Solution
A novel arrangement where solar cells are oriented at an angle of 45 degrees to incoming sunlight, with reflectors positioned perpendicular at the same angle, forming a V-shape or alternate angles, allowing for efficient light capture and protection from the elements, while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing practices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solar cells are arranged in a single plane normal to incoming sunlight, then the module structure is simple, but sunlight capture efficiency is low and materials are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of solar cells to a three-dimensional angular configuration. Solar cells are tilted at approximately 45 degrees relative to the incoming sunlight, and reflectors are positioned at complementary angles to redirect light onto the cells. This dimensional change allows the system to capture sunlight more effectively without increasing the footprint area, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The module is segmented into distinct functional components: solar cells positioned at specific angles, reflectors arranged to capture and redirect light, and support structures positioned to hold components in their optimal orientations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity, addressing both manufacturing ease and sunlight capture efficiency.
2Productivity
If reflectors are used to minimize regions between active solar cells, then sunlight capture improves, but complex geometries or mechanical tracking systems are required which increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs specific angular parameters - solar cells are tilted at approximately 45 degrees to the incoming sunlight, and reflectors are positioned at complementary angles (also approximately 45 degrees). These fixed parameter values simplify the geometric design while maximizing sunlight capture. The use of standard angles allows for easier manufacturing and assembly compared to arbitrary complex geometries, thereby improving productivity without excessively increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If angular orientation of reflector and solar collector is used, then light capture efficiency improves, but the surfaces lack protection from the elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested protective structure where a transparent cover is positioned over the angularly oriented solar cells and reflectors. This cover protects the light-capturing surfaces from environmental damage while maintaining optical transparency. The protective cover is integrated into the module structure, nesting the protection function within the existing angular configuration rather than requiring separate protective mechanisms, thus preserving light capture efficiency while improving reliability.
4Productivity
If more solar cell area is used to capture sunlight, then energy production increases, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflectors as intermediary elements that redirect sunlight onto the solar cells. These reflectors are positioned to capture sunlight that would otherwise fall in inactive regions and redirect it onto the active cell surfaces. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to increase energy production without proportionally increasing solar cell material, as the reflectors (which can be made from less expensive materials) enable additional light capture pathways.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances light capture efficiency, reduces material usage, protects the solar cell and reflector surfaces, and allows for uniform illumination, achieving up to twice the sunlight collection per area during specific sun angles without overheating the cells.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective surface oriented perpendicular to the cell and at around a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight
Implementation Method 2
a solar cell for intercepting sunlight and producing energy of thermal or electrical nature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A system and method of arranging a solar cell (3, 6) and reflector (4) to replace a typical solar cell oriented normal to the incoming sunlight inside a module (i.e. parallel to a module's transparent cover plate or opening). The present invention in a preferred embodiment uses a solar cell (3) oriented at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight, and a reflective surface (4) oriented perpendicular to the cell and at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight. The solar cell (3) and the reflector (4) are the same length/size and form a V shape where the angle between the sloped sides is 90 degrees. Any light falling normally on the arrangement will hit the solar cell (3) either directly or after reflection. In another embodiment, two adjacent reflectors (7, 8) can be used making angles of around 60 degrees and around 30 degrees with respect to the cover or opening (5). An alternate embodiment can include a second reflector (9) added to the base of the cell and reflector pairings also at an approximate 45 degree angle with the cover or opening. The second reflector (9) can run along an entire row of cell and first reflector pairs (3, 4) such that the first reflectors (4) form 90 degree angles with both the cells (3) and with the second reflector (9).