Incorporating a three dimensional photovoltaic structure for optimum solar power generation – the effect of height

In a renewable energy system, incorporating threedimensional technology in solar power generation takes advantage of the three-dimensional nature of the biosphere so that energy collection occurs in a volume, contrary to what is commonly obtained in planar or flat photovoltaic panel. Three-dimension...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Olufunmilayo Alice Mafimidiwo, Akshay Kumar Saha
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Cape Town 2016-07-01
Series:Journal of Energy in Southern Africa
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.assaf.org.za/jesa/article/view/1338
Description
Summary:In a renewable energy system, incorporating threedimensional technology in solar power generation takes advantage of the three-dimensional nature of the biosphere so that energy collection occurs in a volume, contrary to what is commonly obtained in planar or flat photovoltaic panel. Three-dimensional photovoltaic technologies are capable of generating more power from the same base area when compared to the conventional flat solar panels. This investigation examines methodologies for computation and analyses the effect of height per unit volume compared with a plain surface arrangement. The results show remarkable increase in the energy generated by the three-dimensional photovoltaic structure over the two-dimensional planar structures.
ISSN:1021-447X
2413-3051