Translucent Solar Panel Reflector Layout for Higher Light Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panels have limited efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity due to the use of opaque, non-translucent crystalline silicone materials, limiting their ability to harness light effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of translucent or transparent silicone materials in solar panels, combined with reflective layers and configurations that redirect light back through the panels, allowing multiple interactions with photovoltaic cells to enhance energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If opaque crystalline silicone materials are used in solar panels, then manufacturing is easier and structure is simpler, but light conversion efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the solar panel material from opaque to translucent or transparent, allowing light to penetrate through the panel and reach photovoltaic cells on both the front and rear surfaces. This parameter change enables the panel to convert both direct and reflected light into electricity, significantly improving light conversion efficiency while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective layer at the rear of the solar panel to redirect unabsorbed light back through the panel. This creates a light path that interacts with the photovoltaic cells in multiple dimensions - light passes through the translucent panel, reflects off the rear layer, and passes through the panel again, enabling dual-sided energy conversion
2Productivity
If translucent or transparent materials are used in solar panels, then light conversion efficiency increases, but device complexity increases due to additional reflective layers and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The translucent or transparent solar panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the structural housing and the light-converting element. The photovoltaic cells embedded within the panel material convert light during both forward and reflected passes, eliminating the need for separate opaque panels and reflective structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the advanced material requirements
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 increases the efficiency of solar panels by allowing light to penetrate through and be redirected for further conversion, potentially achieving up to 95% conversion of available light energy to electricity.
Implementation Method 1
The solar panel is configured to receive incident light and convert a first portion of the incident light to electricity
Implementation Method 2
The reflector is positioned to reflect a second portion of the incident light that was not converted to electricity by the solar panel back at the solar panel
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel system includes a solar module. The solar module includes a housing, a solar panel, and a reflector. The solar panel is supported by the housing. The solar panel is configured to receive incident light and convert a first portion of the incident light to electricity. The reflector is positioned io reflect a second portion of the incident light that was not convened to electricity by the solar panel back at the solar panel.