Re:Solar-panel "trees" really are inferior
by daemonize on Saturday August 20, 2011 @11:23AM
(#2906818)
I would imaginr that the flat panel could be hooked to a servo and a control loop be used to optimize poiting attitude in real time to compensate for the sun's natural cycle.
Re:Solar-panel "trees" really are inferior
by shabble on Saturday August 20, 2011 @12:57PM
(#2907040)
This is already extremely common, with significant efficiency gains. As ever, the downside is added complexity and cost.
See https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Solar_tracker
I also would not completely dismiss the premise - trees are probably very good at converting solar energy.
And to add to that, I don't buy the counter argument that a tree arrangement can't be better than a flat panel - why not? The sun moves around so the flat panel might be optimal at one point in the day, but will certainly be sub-optimal at other times. This isn't a clear cut argument at all. There are many variables in play. Cloud cover; seasons; etc. Keep in mind the experiment was done in a cold climate.