Related Sections: Green Tech
GreenSun solar panels: direct sunlight optional
It been pretty much understood that solar panels need sunlight. Direct sunlight, that is, and lots of it. GreenSun Energy has developed panels that just need bright light, but they don't have to have the light shining directly on them. When light hits the panels, it's diffused to solar receptors in the edges of the panels.
Using jewel-toned plates, the solar concentrators capture from a wide spectrum of light. Even on a cloudy day, they'll produce electricity, although less than on a sunny day with direct light. They're even cheaper than traditional panels, since they don't use as much silicon as standard panels.
Think of all the placement opportunities. Northern locales, shady lots, and Seattle - rejoice.
By djc at 11:09 AM ON 09/17/09
Good job, well done.
Great inventions are often really small steps that add up to something amazing. It's an exciting time to follow the current propellorheads thinking (or is it tinkering ) with what is undeniably our biggest source of energy, and improving our capability to utilize it. What was it , the sun provides enough energy on the surface of the earth in one hour to keep our current level use for ten years (i'm not sure but something like that, on that scale).
By Brass Orchid at 4:30 PM ON 09/17/09
The energy reaching Earth from the Sun is nearly 1,370 Watts per square meter of surface area. This is in lighted areas, naturally.
By Shed_Dweller at 10:49 PM ON 09/17/09
It would be interesting to see if this approach would work with standard clear windows or windows with modified glass panels.
Polish the edges and embed the photovoltaic strips into the window frames.
If the sun normally shines in through that window during the day, great. If not, that's ok too.
I'm also thinking this might work as a protective layer on a large electronic billboard. It could make it more-or-less self-powered.
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Shed_Dweller:
It would be interesting to see if this approach would work with standard clear windows or windows with modified gla...More »