Pyramid-Shaped Solar Cells

Addressing the often-cited reason that many choose not to install solar panels on their property, news of the development of attractive glass pyramid-shaped solar cells is certainly welcome!  Coupled with a reasonable price tag and high efficiency, the solar technology that scientists at the Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE) could be the next big renewable energy development this decade.

Instead of bulky photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, one day soon you could instead go with a “Dynamic Solar Facade.”  The technology will include a glass front with pyramid-shaped solar concentrators which capture light, magnify it by up to 500 times and then redirect it to solar cells.

The Dynamic Solar Facade could have a 60-80% efficiency ratio, using not only UV light, but also thermal heat from the sun, captured with a heat sink.  In short, the pyramid-shaped solar cells can generate both electricity and provide energy to heat water, much like a thermal solar panel system. 

A good looking, dual-function, highly efficient solar panel system?

Yes indeed!  While CASE is still years away from commercializing the product, we could see it by the end of the decade.  That wouldn’t be a minute too soon, as attractive clean energy sources are in high demand, particularly for landlords who lease office space.   The overall appearance of a building – both inside and out – can increase rents, while saving energy and cutting down high utility bills.

Tags: center for architecture science and ecology, clean energy source, concentrating solar power, dynamic solar facade, glass solar cells, photovoltaic solar panels, pyramid solar cells, solar technology