MIT Improves Efficiency With 3D Solar Panel Structures

Very interesting research on improving the efficiency of solar panels being produced at MIT:


The Massachusetts Institute of Tehcnology 's (MIT) answer to creating a high efficiency solar panel takes shape in the form of 3D, origami folding structures.

When someone says solar panel, we think flat, sleek-looking installations in open fields or on roof tops. The panels are intentionally flat to avoid "shadowing" (covered areas that would reduce efficiency).

MIT wants to expand this preconception, and its researchers have discovered that covering 3D structures with solar cells could dramatically improve efficiency. Better yet, they could do so while taking up a limited mount of space.


Link: http://www.energyboom.com/solar/mit-improves-efficiency-3d-solar-panel-structures

Although on second thought - what about a flat panel that utilizes these shapes on a nano-scale?

Sliver cells.