<span class="highlight">solar</span> <span class="highlight">panel</span> advances

I heard on radio ( i think) about a new possible advance in solar panels based on the eye of a moth ,,,,if i remember correctly what i heard was that a standard type FLAT solar panel reflects about 35% of received light which is a loss of 35% of useful energy,,,,,a moths eye on the other hand reflects only 5% of light due to its eye having BUMPS/INDENTATIONS similar to a golf ball,,the story went on to say that the information will be used to possibly make a more efficient solar panel can any one shed any more information on this story
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Reply By: Maîneÿ . . .- Sunday, Jul 18, 2010 at 10:23

Sunday, Jul 18, 2010 at 10:23
turbopete,

Yes, some panels are presently made with a design along those lines of thought :-)
Maybe the solar gurus will nominate the 2 brands?

Maîneÿ . . .
AnswerID: 424362

Reply By: carlsp - Sunday, Jul 18, 2010 at 11:43

Sunday, Jul 18, 2010 at 11:43
Most people do not realise how brilliant Paul Keating was when he said "there is not free lunch".

As soon as I read about dimpled solar panels, I thought, yes bit on dirt roads they will attract dust into the dimples. This will reduce the capacity to recieve light more than being flat. The alternative is forever cleaning to keep them clean.

See there is not free lunch in science.
AnswerID: 424367

Follow Up By: Maîneÿ . . .- Sunday, Jul 18, 2010 at 11:48

Sunday, Jul 18, 2010 at 11:48
The protective glass surface remains flat, only the crystalline surface is 'dimpled' :-)

Maîneÿ . . .
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FollowupID: 694799

Follow Up By: carlsp - Sunday, Jul 18, 2010 at 11:56

Sunday, Jul 18, 2010 at 11:56
Fantastic.....I fear is ill founded.

I thought you were going to write that Paul Keating did not say anything about a free lunch.

thanks Mainey
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FollowupID: 694800

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