Photovoltaic Array with Reflectors to Reduce Shading and Soiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar energy systems with tilted photovoltaic (PV) modules experience energy production penalties due to shading, especially during winter solstices, and face challenges in maintaining cleanliness, while flat installations suffer from dirt and debris accumulation, leading to reduced energy output.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy system with multiple angled PV modules and drop-in reflectors that capture nearly all incoming light throughout the season, where PV modules are initially installed and wired without reflectors, and then reflectors are added to redirect unproductive light, eliminating shading issues and maintaining module cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PV modules are installed at a tilted angle to improve energy output and reduce soiling, then energy production and cleanliness are improved, but shading behind the modules increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful shading effect into a beneficial reflection by installing reflective panels behind the PV modules. The reflected light from these panels redirects sunlight onto the rear surface of the PV modules, transforming the previously wasted shaded area into a productive energy-generating zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space behind the PV modules by installing reflective panels in the shading zone. This converts the two-dimensional shading problem into a three-dimensional solution where reflected light paths create additional energy capture opportunities in the previously unusable space behind the modules.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If PV modules are spaced farther apart to avoid shading, then shading is reduced, but the system occupies more space and loses potential energy capture
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective panels transform the harmful shading zone into a beneficial energy-capturing zone. By reflecting sunlight onto the rear of the PV modules, the system maintains closer spacing while eliminating the energy loss that would normally require larger spacing to avoid.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective panels ensure continuous light capture throughout the day by redirecting morning and evening sunlight that would otherwise miss the modules. This maintains productive action during periods when direct sunlight is unavailable, maximizing energy capture within a compact footprint.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If PV modules are installed without tilt to reduce shading, then shading is minimized, but dirt and debris accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a partial tilt angle to the PV modules - enough to achieve self-cleaning effects and reduce soiling accumulation, but not so much that significant shading occurs. This moderate tilt, combined with reflective panels, provides the optimal balance between cleanliness and minimizing shading.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional PV modules with series-connected cells are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but energy production is bottlenecked by single shaded cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connections within PV modules by incorporating bypass diodes that divide the cell strings into independent sections. This segmentation allows current to flow around shaded or underperforming cells, preventing them from bottlenecking the entire module's energy production while maintaining the simplified series-connected manufacturing approach.
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 system achieves substantial light capture and energy production across an entire season by redirecting shaded light and maintaining module cleanliness, enhancing energy output and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
solar energy systems with multiple angled PV modules and drop-in reflectors that capture nearly all incoming light throughout the season
Implementation Method 2
PV modules used in solar energy systems are often installed at an inclined angle
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a solar energy system includes multiple photovoltaic modules, each oriented substantially at a same angle relative to horizontal. The angle is independent of a latitude of an installation site of the solar energy system and is greater than or equal to 15 degrees. The solar energy system defines a continuous area within a perimeter of the solar energy system. The solar energy system is configured to capture at the photovoltaic modules substantially all light incoming towards the continuous area over an entire season.