Glass sphere: New type of light collector for photovoltaic power

[Dennis Leahy]

The solar energy (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power/) designers at Rawlemon (http://www.rawlemon.com/betatorics.html) have created a spherical, sun-tracking glass globe that is able to concentrate sunlight (and moonlight) up to 10,000 times. The company claims that its ß.torics system is 35% more efficient than traditional dual-axis photovoltaic designs, and the fully rotational, weatherproof sphere is even capable of harvesting electricity from moonlight.http://assets.inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/08/andrebroessel_1-537x403.jpg


Source: http://inhabitat.com/rawlemon%E2%80%99s-spherical-solar-energy-generating-globes-can-even-harvest-energy-from-moonlight/


Dennis

[Lazlo]

Neat concept, but keeping them clean would be a nightmare at any kind of scale, and cleanliness is absolutely vital on any concentrating design. 35% greater efficiency is right in line with what CPV does using frenel lenses, and even that technology is having a tough time right now because silicon has come down in price and the efficiency gains no longer make it pencil out over simpler designs. It's the KISS rule.

[meat suit]

self cleaning glass is widely available now, I work with it every now and then.... the coating oxydises any dirt deposits in sunlight and then the rain washes it off. it really works...

[risveglio]

Ran across there Indiegogo site and of course Avalon already has an old thread.

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rawlemon-solar-devices