Graphic appearance for solar modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panels have an aesthetically unpleasing black color, which can be visually undesirable and may be restricted by local regulations, while attempts to improve aesthetics often compromise energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A graphic mesh is integrated into solar modules, made from absorbent fibers with specific warp and weft thicknesses and open area sizes, allowing for customizable balance between energy efficiency and visual appeal by printing a graphic appearance directly into the mesh, which is then laminated with the solar cell layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the solar panel surface is made black to maximize energy efficiency, then energy generation is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel surface is divided into multiple segments or zones with different colors. Instead of a uniform black surface, the panel incorporates colored regions that can be arranged in patterns or gradients, allowing aesthetic customization while maintaining sufficient light absorption in each segment to preserve energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the solar panel are assigned different color properties based on local aesthetic requirements. Certain areas may have darker tones for energy absorption while other areas have lighter or colored tones for visual appeal, creating a non-uniform surface that balances both functional and aesthetic needs.
2Shape
If colored materials are added to solar cells to improve appearance, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The color properties of the solar panel are adjusted by changing parameters such as color intensity, coverage area, and spectral characteristics. By optimizing these parameters, the panel achieves a balance where colors are visible enough for aesthetic purposes but not so intense or extensive as to significantly reduce light absorption and energy generation.
3Shape
If opaque dots or shapes are printed on transparent sheets to create images, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but light transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding opaque elements that block light, the invention extracts or removes material to create transparent or translucent regions. The solar panel surface incorporates cutouts, etched patterns, or removed portions that allow light to pass through while creating visible designs or images, thus maintaining light transmission for energy generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel incorporates thin, translucent films or coatings that can display images or patterns while allowing significant light transmission. These films are designed to be visually effective from certain viewing angles or distances while maintaining sufficient transparency to preserve energy generation capability.
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
The solution maintains high energy efficiency while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance, as the mesh allows sufficient sunlight transmission and is durable against environmental conditions, offering a unique balance between chromatic effectiveness and energetic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A fiber material for a mesh is selected, the fiber material being absorbent for a coloring substance
Implementation Method 2
Photovoltaic panels (i.e., solar modules, solar panels) are necessarily exposed to the sun, covering external surfaces of supporting infrastructures such as buildings, vehicles and outdoor accessories
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of producing a graphic mesh for a solar module are described in which mesh parameters such as warp fiber thickness, weft fiber thickness, and open area size are determined to meet a target energetic efficiency and a chromatic effectiveness. In some embodiments, chromatic effectiveness is based on mesh count, where the mesh count is set according to a distance at which the mesh will be viewed when assembled into the solar module. The mesh has a plurality of warp fibers having the warp fiber thickness and a plurality of weft fibers having the weft fiber thickness, that are interlaced to form a plurality of mesh unit cells. A graphic appearance is printed into the mesh using a coloring substance, where the coloring substance is absorbed by the fiber material to form the graphic mesh.