The Researchers of MIT have developed a new three-dimensional cube-shaped solar panel design that can produce up to 20 times more energy in the same space as traditional flat solar panels.
Traditional flat solar panels require motors to follow the sun, but this new 3D design captures sunlight better from different angles all day long.
The design was tested using computer models and real rooftop experiments. It produced much more energy, especially during cloudy days, winter months, and higher latitudes.
According to the team, the unique vertical surfaces of the 3D structures capture sunlight more efficiently during low-angle sunlight hours, like mornings and evenings. These panels also deliver a more uniform and predictable energy output, easing integration into existing power grids.
“Even though the cost per unit is higher than standard flat panels,” said Marco Bernardi, co-author and MIT graduate researcher, “The system produces more energy and works reliably over time, making it worth the cost.”
The MIT team sees many possible uses for this design, like covering skyscrapers with solar panels, building towers in parking lots, or using compact, foldable units. Making the cube shape slightly curved inward can increase energy efficiency by another 10–15%.
What began as a bold idea supported by advanced simulation tools has now proven itself in real-world trials. These results, published in Energy and Environmental Science, hint at a new generation of solar systems designed for urban verticality, rather than just wide-open fields.
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https://www.eldiario24.com/en/panels-promise-energy-revolution-flat/19168
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