PV Gap

Phyllis Said:

How tangible do horseshoe solar panels sound?

We Answered:

Well here would be the problem with a horseshoe panel...
Due to its shape, you will get a seriously uneven distribution of solar charge. Since the horseshoe shape resembles a parabolic function, the majority of the electrical photovoltaic cells will be spanned over the larger rise/run, meaning the two ends of the parabolic shoe. A way to combat this is that as it approaches 0 from both sides (0 tangency) is to put a higher concentration of photovoltaic cells in comparison to the two ends on either side.

An even better design I would say would not to use a flat panel or even a horseshoe, but instead, use a sphere shape. It's globe-like shape would never need to be adjusted. The side pointing towards the sun would absorb and the remaining 360 degrees of shape would absorb ambient light which can trickle in tons of ambient charge.

It is an eyesore but the round shape would be the most efficient. If you think about it, nature is the best example to model. Just look at a tree. It's general tree shape is rounded so that all the leaves can pick up some sort of light throughout the day.