Previous publications suggest that geometrical solar panels are more efficient in terms of using the mounting space than traditional flat static solar panels. However, previous research does not deeply discuss the questions of the distribution of solar cells on the considered segments of cylinders, cones, spheres, and catenoids. To find the best geometry, we optimize the parameters of various curved surfaces, such as cones and catenoids, for the greatest energy produced per square meter. In practice, these curved solar panels are created by packing flexible fixed size square solar cells onto the curved surface. So, we must also optimize our curved surfaces for their ability to be packed efficiently with square solar cells. Using combinatorial methods, we propose sample solar cells packing and approximate energy production to optimize geometrical solar panels at various geographic locations. These techniques allow us to create more efficient static solar panels and improve the overall value of solar energy.

Date Published: 3 March 2020
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 11275, Physics, Simulation, and Photonic Engineering of Photovoltaic Devices IX, 1127517 (3 March 2020); doi: 10.1117/12.2543397

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 11275:
Physics, Simulation, and Photonic Engineering of Photovoltaic Devices IX
Alexandre Freundlich; Masakazu Sugiyama; Stéphane Collin, Editor(s)