Incorporating a three dimensional photovoltaic structure for optimum solar power generation – the effect of height

Abstract

In a renewable energy system, incorporating threedimensional technology in solar power generation takes advantage of the three-dimensional nature of the biosphere so that energy collection occurs in a volume, contrary to what is commonly obtained in planar or flat photovoltaic panel. Three-dimensional photovoltaic technologies are capable of generating more power from the same base area when compared to the conventional flat solar panels. This investigation examines methodologies for computation and analyses the effect of height per unit volume compared with a plain surface arrangement. The results show remarkable increase in the energy generated by the three-dimensional photovoltaic structure over the two-dimensional planar structures.