Researchers in China and Sweden have found that a balloon can beat solar panels. By launching a balloon-integrated photovoltaic system, there is proof that this photovoltaic balloon can take flight and beat traditional solar systems in the process. Upon testing, it was found that this photovoltaic system can capture stronger sunlight in comparison to solar installations rooted in the ground. Whereas solar installations’ performance may be hindered by snow, this photovoltaic balloon won’t have its performance affected in any way.
What makes this photovoltaic balloon beat traditional solar systems?
The concept draws on simple rules of physics. Rooftop solar installations or ground-rooted ones tend to suffer due to limitations in terms of capturing the sun’s power at low angles, especially during the winter months. Snow and ice may also obstruct these solar panels from reaping the full benefit of the sun. With the balloon photovoltaic system, there is a chance that it will rise above all hindrances and capture the sun’s power from all directions.
The PV balloon had been engineered by a team that hailed from the Southwest Jiaotong University, Guizhou University, and Mälardalen University. The balloon was constructed in such a way that the upper hemisphere can refract sunlight to its lower arc. For this solar balloon, CdTe cells with 19% efficiency have been selected.
A PV system manufactured specifically for the North
The inspiration for this PV system came from places where systems fixed for the region struggled considerably. Places like northern Europe and Canada were the inspiration when this PV system was created. Whereas traditional solar systems face problems such as snow trapping and infrastructure damage, the benefit of the PV balloon system is that it enjoys longer durability.
A considerable advantage of this type of solar system is that the transparent upper dome serves as a concentrator, increasing light density on the CdTe system. The raised balloon does not have to deal with issues such as shading that traditional solar systems have to put up with. For testing purposes, 10,000 solar balloons were tested in five cities. The results proved that these solar balloons could acquire 3.337 to 4.275 GWh during the testing months.
A PV system where economic benefit meets engineering marvel
There is much economic potential associated with this PV system, with profits ranging from $12.9 million to $107 million. All costs in terms of rooftop installations are avoided completely. Another considerable advantage of this photovoltaic system is that it is a portable system. Energy could be taken to rural areas and can be used in places where energy demands may need to be met. There are several advantages of relying on this PV system:
- No land needs to be set aside for this solar installation to work.
- Snow and dust are not accumulated on the solar panels, as the CdTe panels are responsible for stopping any form of obstruction.
- The solution is portable, and there are no geographical limitations.
- The use of lightweight materials means the PV system can be transported rather easily.
With so many advantages, it is easy to understand why the first-ever photovoltaic balloon is ready to fly, offering 50 times more energy than other conventional panels.
Giving solar energy harvesting a new meaning
This first-ever photovoltaic balloon directs our attention to the new ways in which solar power can be generated. Overcoming the limitations posed by ground-based solar systems and rooftop-mounted systems, this solar balloon has a much higher efficiency rate and proves that we need to redefine what solar power means in this modern era. We must also note that if it is not energy bouncing off a balloon that we ought to consider, it is the energy floating on a bubble that we should keep in mind.
