Posted on 02/10/2014 2:04:46 PM PST by grundle
The solar energy industry is still in the process of exploring how to make photovoltaic panels more efficient and less intrusive, and researchers at Stanford have already pushed forward with peel-and-stick solar panels. However, for high power usage the devices must be large and in direct contact with the sun at all times, meaning they need to track its position in the sky using sensors and equipment that are expensive and susceptible to bad weather. Currently seeking funding through Indiegogo, Rawlemon is an alternative in the shape of an oddly beautiful eyeball-shaped lens, that uses refraction to concentrate sunlight with minimal need for tracking.
Designed by German architect Andre Broessel, the invention uses a large glass sphere lens, which collects diffuse light from multiple angles. The shape of the lens focuses this light into a fine beam — much like a magnifying glass — that can deliver a greater amount of sunlight — around 70 percent more — than traditional photovoltaic panels can collect on their own, even when they track the sun. The system enables Broessel to reduce the size of the solar panel to around one percent of the typical PV device. At the same time, the Rawlemon product is arguably much more aesthetically pleasing than the gray, oblong panels currently in use.
(Excerpt) Read more at smallbusiness.yahoo.com ...
I like it, looks terrific. But also looks a bit like a target for bad guys.
It' old tech
Nice try at posting a series scientific thread. ;-)
How big will the GUbamint subsidy be?
It is likely the subsidies have artificially kept the price higher than it would have been otherwise, because it suppressed competition.
Stay away from Pete’s piece there Bris-co.
I want to know if this can be mounted on our sailboat, which will soon be our house.
Or are we stuck with flat panels?
I imagine the first thousand of them will be expensive. The next ten thousand will be cheaper. And by the five millionth of them we'll all be wondering why poor people don't have them.
Forget the orb, give me an Orgasmatron!
You really know how to throw cold water on a guys dream don’t you.....there goes the free electricity!!!!!!
“...collects diffuse light from multiple angles...”
Subsidies are not intended to keep the price down....they’re the logical way to transfer sums of money from the taxpayer to the political campaign!!!
It’s pretty amazing to think about. The payoff would be so huge for someone who figures out how to make solar work. Subsidies are definitely not needed. Government types can’t figure that out however!
Target practice.
Is it solid glass?
Sauron Industries—the next Green money toilet.
“...like a magnifying glass “
EPA will never allow it.
Too much of a danger to ants.
And no Global Warming!
That’s scary.
I thought you were real happy with your solar panels,
sounded like you got a great deal.
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