Three-dimensional solar cell technology developer, Solar3D will explore the benefits of integrating its solar cells into roof tiles. The company has planned to partner with a solar roofing firm, Redwood Renewables, to study the performance of the silicon-based solar cell technology in building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications.
Integration of Solar3D cells directly into roof tiles
Theoretically, it is proven that the high-efficiency solar cell will allow space-constrained rooftops to deliver more power. In addition, the cell’s wide-angle collection feature is suitable for projects with a fixed orientation.
Jim Nelson, Solar3D’s President and CEO, commented that in the next decade, the rooftop PV applications is expected to be one of the fastest growing segments in the entire solar market. The company’s 3-dimensional solar cell is suitable for the space-constrained rooftop. As the roof tile has a fixed orientation, the use of conventional solar cells significantly reduces the efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity. The unique wide angle collection feature of Solar3D’s cells considerably decreases the efficiency loss that results from the varying angle of the light.
The major challenge in the solar integrated roof tiles is the low power yield from conventional PV cells. The power output can be increased using Solar3D cells. Nelson noted that they can help firms like Redwood Renewables to offer PV integrated roof tiles to the construction industry. Their solar cells are suitable for any application, whether fixed or portable, where there is difficulty in tracking the sun directly, concluded Nelson.