If I had "x" area of solar panels, could I increase the amount of power they make by focusing the amount of light by using a parabolic disc? If so, is there a limit to the amount of light?
2007-05-27 06:51:30 · 5 answers · asked by tony c 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Yes, there's a limit because they get hotter as you focus more light. They should have a spec sheet that says how hot they can be, so that will help you to know how much light you can focus.
Also, you don't want a parabolic dish. This focuses light to a point. You want a parabolic trough that focuses the light down to a strip.
2007-05-27 06:55:26 · answer #1 · answered by mikeburns55 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As above, but also make sure the panels you use will still produce if partially shaded. Some older panels will quit producing if you so much as put your hand over a small portion of it. Newer ones don't do this but are more expensive. As you may need more panel area to produce enough energy to fill a battery (if that is how you go) make sure you have the room/roof area for additional panels.
2016-05-19 01:25:13 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if the area of your focusing lens/mirror exceeded thhe surface area of the panels but now you have the difficulty of having to track the sun. The limit on the light is when the solar panels get physically damaged.
2007-05-27 06:57:39 · answer #3 · answered by Gene 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i always thought that was a interesting idea. you could use the parabola to produce steam in a pipe. you know like paint it black to absorb more...something along that line. you could even hook motors up to it for the tilt in the southern sky. i get my max and min from a mop handle. insert it in the ground until it casts no shadow. drop a plumb-bob from the tip. take the arc-tan to get the angle.
2007-05-27 07:22:14 · answer #4 · answered by kman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The solar cells that I have worked with does not like heat.
2007-05-27 07:06:10 · answer #5 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋