The Success of the Slant

Our world has encountered yet another renewable energy engineering success. Over the past several years, the assistance of solar financing has increased the number of people installing solar panels on their roofs. In addition to this, just this month, researchers discovered an innovative method to magnify the energy produced from solar panels. 

Typically, a specific tilt angle is required for solar panel installation. The specific angle is put in place to optimize energy generation from the sun. For some roofs, this can be a bit of an obstacle. Fortunately, there’s hope for a positive change with the structure of solar panels to solve this potential issue. 

Kirigami

According to Technology Review, by cutting solar panels into specialized arrangements, researchers have made it possible for solar panels to follow the sun’s movements. The specific method of cutting these panels is called kirigami. 

Kirigami is simply the practice of cutting and/or folding individual pieces, regardless of medium. This method would eliminate the need for solar panels to be slanted and is projected to generate up to 40 percent more renewable energy. On top of solar financing, this could be one of the biggest breakthroughs in the solar world.  

Following the Sun

The research for this new solar panel method took place at the University of Michigan. Material science engineering professor, Max Shtein, stated, “The kirigami-based approach makes it possible to generate more electricity while using the same amount of semiconducting material, and accomplishes this to nearly the same degree that conventional tracking systems do.”

Though groundbreaking, this system is not yet available, nor is it complete. Technology Review states, “researchers will likely need to come up with a system for encasing the structures to protect them against the weather,” along with other technical and structural adjustments. 

When this innovative and appealing method is complete and available for installation, it has the potential to make big change for investors concerned with financing, as well as for the environment.

Jordan Lee is a renewable energy writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Elements Capital Group. Follow on Twitter