Glass Sphere Could Revolutionize Solar Power on Earth

This Glass Sphere Could Revolutionize Solar Power on Earth
by julia.letts

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We all know that the sun is the greatest sustainable energy source available on Earth, but we're not quite at the stage where we're using it to the highest potential. The majority of PhotoVoltaic panels across the globe have a performance of just 15% or lower, and if these panels aren't tracking the movement of the sun in the sky, they are losing even more power throughout the year. Solar energy is not yet as efficient as it should be.

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Andre Broessel, a German architect living in Barcelona, has the solution. He wants to "squeeze more juice out of the sun." That's why he created Rawlemon.

See that crystal ball? That could be the answer to all our solar power woes. Learn more here.

By combining spherical geometry principles with their dual axis tracking system, Rawlemon generates twice the yield of a conventional solar panel when both are placed in a vertical set-up. Plus, Rawlemon is able to reduce the cell surface to 1%, so not only can they fit more cells in a smaller area, but Rawlemon can concentrate this energy as well to produce more sustainable and low-cost energy.

"In addition to increased and optimum solar performance, the design offers benefits for users, designers and architects," explained Broessel in an interview. "Unlike any existing solar technology, the design and its dematerialized aesthetic permits high-transparency and full-building integration with no weather impact, due to its dual axis-tracking system. the design allows the possibility to connect both standard and hybrid collectors in order to convert electricity and/or thermal energy, offering a scalable, reversible, self-sufficient system."


via DesignBoom

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Unlike traditional solar panels, the Rawlemon device features a fully rotational weather-proof natural optical tracking device that is suitable for inclined surfaces, walls of buildings, and virtually anywhere with access to the sky.


via Smithsonian

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The unit features a modular collector system that charges and stores energy during the day and at night from the sun and even the moon.


via Worldcrunch

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Still not sure?

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Broessel and Rawlemon went through an intense research and creative process to develop this innovative device. From early studies, concepts and sketches, to 3D models, calculations, and prototypes, they came to the conclusion that the perfect shape of the ball lens has enormous potential.

Rawlemon in action

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Could this be the answer to our solar energy problem?

Consider this:

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Only certain countries are able to receive ample sunlight year-round favorable for traditional solar power output, but with the Rawlemon, we can overcome this obstacle. Because this innovative globe can magnify the sun's rays by more than 10,000 times, it's possible to harvest energy from the sun on even the cloudiest of days, plus it can harvest energy from the moon. That's not something that traditional PhotoVoltaic panels can do.



Right now you're probably wondering why there isn't a pivoting crystal ball on every rooftop, right? Well, it can be quite costly, plus it's quite difficult to market because of its complexity. Lucky for us, Rawlemon just completed a very successful indiegogo campaign, so we're that much closer to efficient solar power.



For now, we'll just have to stay tuned and stay hopeful.



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