Solar Panel Refractive-Reflective Sheets to Reduce Shadow Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panels experience reduced power output due to shadows and insufficient sunlight in areas with less sun exposure, leading to increased costs and prolonged payback periods.
Innovation Solution
The use of refractive-reflective structures such as lenticular sheets, reflective panels, and diffraction grating sheets to enhance the absorption of sunlight by solar panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are installed in cities away from the equator with less sun exposure, then solar energy generation can be achieved in more locations, but the energy produced is insufficient to recoup the cost of the panels within a reasonable time frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by placing refractive-reflective sheets at the bottom of the solar panel assembly to redirect sunlight from below. This dimensional change allows the system to capture sunlight that would otherwise be lost, effectively utilizing light from multiple directions (front and bottom) to improve energy production in locations with limited sun exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive-reflective sheets act as intermediary elements between the sunlight and the solar panel. These sheets redirect and concentrate sunlight from the bottom and side directions onto the solar panel surface, serving as a mediator that enhances the panel's ability to capture light in geographical locations with less direct sun exposure
2Reliability
If a shadow obscures even a portion of the surface of the solar panel, then the panel can still generate power, but the power output is reduced by up to 90%
Solution Approach 1:
The refractive-reflective sheets positioned at the bottom and sides of the solar panel act as intermediary light sources that can illuminate shaded areas. When part of the panel is shadowed, these sheets redirect sunlight around the obstruction to reach the shaded portions of the panel, maintaining power generation continuity while minimizing output reduction
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing light redirection from the bottom dimension, the system can bypass shadows cast from above. The refractive-reflective sheets capture sunlight from the bottom and redirect it onto the solar panel surface, providing an alternative light path that circumvents obstructions and maintains productivity even when portions of the panel are shadowed
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
Enhances solar panel output by diffusing sunlight across shadowed areas, preventing burning, and improving energy production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first refractive-reflective sheet having: a first side including a plurality of refracting elements, and a second side. The first refractive-reflective sheet is disposed to the front of and near said lower edge for reflecting sunlight onto said light receiving surface of said solar panel thus amplifying said output.
Implementation Method 2
a first refractive-reflective sheet having: a first side including a plurality of refracting elements
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of amplifying output power produced by a solar panel having a shadow cast upon a portion of a surface thereof are presented. The system and method utilize refractive-reflective sheets such as lenticular sheet, and/or diffraction grating sheets to diffuse sunlight to illuminate the shadow and thus amplify the output power of the solar panel. Alternatively, when no shadow is cast upon the panel, the sheets reflect additional sunlight onto the panel increasing its output power. The sheets may be used to refract, reflect, or both refract and reflect sunlight onto the panel. The sheets may be used in combination with bright or reflective panels to reflect additional sunlight onto said panels to further amplify the output. The system and method are applicable to various types of solar panels such as thin film, microcrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels as well as solar roof tiles or other solar radiation collectors.