Researchers in Qatar developed a 450-cell, 0.70 m-diameter spherical PV prototype with a hemispherical aluminium reflector that substantially improves energy capture. The system, however, demonstrates mainly directional/seasonal benefits rather than superior annual yield or economic competitiveness compared to a flat counterpart.
A group of researchers led by Qatar Univerity has developed a spherical photovoltaic module that utilizes reflectors to increase solar energy harvesting.
“We developed and experimentally demonstrated a practical module-scale spherical photovoltaic prototype comprising 450 monofacial silicon solar cells distributed over a 0.70 m diameter spherical substrate and integrated with a reflective base,” corresponding author Amith Khandakar told pv magazine. “Unlike conventional flat PV modules, which have a single dominant surface orientation, the spherical geometry distributes photovoltaic cells over a continuous range of tilt and azimuth angles. Compared with other non-planar geometries, such as cylindrical or conical configurations, the sphere has no preferred azimuthal direction, providing a distinctive approach to capturing solar radiation as the sun’s position changes throughout the day without mechanical tracking.”
