The race to get as much energy as possible from non crude oil sources is getting a lot more interesting as technology evolves in a way that makes it easier to collect and store energy. Solar panels have been the preferred option for many years, but they have had their limitations, as they are rigid, bulky, and have to be positioned in places with good access to the sun to be as productive as possible, but even this technology has managed to find ways to evolve and become more accessible for future use.
A few years ago a company brought forth a new idea, clear solar panels that could be installed over windows to collect sunlight without compromising visibility or the aesthetics of the buildings, but there is a new alternative that could improve on the concept even more and help these solar panels be less obtrusive.
The new FlexSol solar panels
The main problem solar panels have is that they are made of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. These cells, while very efficient at capturing the sun rays are very brittle, which means that in order for them to work and not shatter they must be mounted into a flat surface, making them the solar panels that we know and that have been installed until now. The fact that they need to be mounted onto rigid boards is what makes the panels difficult to move and inefficient at capturing as much sun as possible as they cannot absorb energy from multiple angles simultaneously.
Here is where FlexSol comes in, the company has developed a new and patented method for bending these efficient monocrystalline silicon PV cells into curved solar panels. The fact that they are curved is what allows them to absorb solar energy from multiple angles, making them a lot more efficient.
These new flexible solar panels have expanded the possibilities for innovative designs in solar technology and FlexSol’s most advanced model features a cylindrical shape, which enhances maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for improved energy capture. By optimizing power conversion, these curved panels achieve greater efficiency than traditional flat designs. Beyond their higher energy output, the flexible structure offers additional advantages, making them a versatile alternative in solar applications.
In addition to more efficient sun collection, these panels have another major benefit, and that is the ability to be moved with ease. FlexSol’s new panels are made up of solar cells that are 300 times smaller than those in traditional solar panels, making them lightweight and highly portable. Instead of rigid glass or metal coverings, they are coated with ETFE, a durable polymer that allows them to bend without compromising efficiency. This flexibility makes them ideal for a range of mobile applications, from RVs and boats to camping gear and backpacks.
Theay are also ideal for use in houses, as they are light weight and do not require a complex racking system to secure them, making the labor costs minimal by comparison. Having said that, it is unlikely that they will replace traditional solar panels just yet in this particular application. The same things that make them light and easy to transport can also make them a bit less durable, which means that they would need to be replaced more frequently negating any advantages. However, for commercial use or for mobile use, they are the perfect alternative, as the increase in power collection really does make a difference.
Despite the drawbacks that they may have this new fabrication technique combined withteh popularity and expansion of solar panel use can make the FlexSol panels a great leap into the future of renewable energy.