Vertical Solar Panels Are Better Than Horizontal Ones in 2024 (We Were Wrong!)

Vertical Solar Panels Are Better Than Horizontal Ones in 2024 (We Were Wrong!)

A team of researchers uncovered the reasons behind the unexpected yield gains observed in vertical PV systems compared to horizontal arrays. Their findings reveal that vertical installations maintain significantly lower operating temperatures. These reduced operating temperatures positively impact the operating voltage, thereby enhancing total energy generation, especially in high irradiance conditions.

In standard systems, the increase in voltage due to light is counteracted by the decrease caused by higher operating temperatures under high irradiance conditions. However, in vertical systems, the researchers observed that operating temperatures don't rise as much, allowing the voltage to increase and decrease to balance each other out more effectively.

The group determined that the heat transfer coefficients of vertical panels are nearly double those of horizontal panels. Heat transfer coefficients dictate how heat energy moves between materials and are commonly used, for example, in home insulation.

The researchers also found that the vertical array operates at a temperature difference with respect to ambient that is almost halved, resulting in a 2.5% higher annual energy yield.

00:00 Intro
01:03 Vertical vs Horizontal PV?
01:45 How is Vertical better?
04:13 Extra Energy with Vertical PV
04:36 Vertical PV Challenges

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