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I just completed a major goal of the year: to have a prototype 3D Solar panel tested by an independent testing laboratory.
As long time readers know, the
patent pending 3D solar panel design incorporates reflectors and simple
geometry to generate more power per cell. I selected TUV-PTL in
Tempe AZ to perform the prototype testing--they were very responsive
and helpful as this was my first time requesting performance
verification of a solar panel. TUV-PTL sent me the results just in time
for Thanksgiving.
TUV-PTL tested my 3D panel side-by-side with a
half-size 2D/flat panel (the rows of cells in each panel were
identically manufactured--same cell type, stringing and lamination
process used). Adjusting for the difference in panel size, the 3D panel produced 25.4% more power per cell! under standard test conditions than the 2D panel.
The 3D panel uses 36 cells and produced 35.6W (0.99W/cell), while the 2D panel uses only 18 cells and produced 14.2W (0.79W/cell). The extra power per cell is due to the reflectors and geometry of the 3D panel.
