SolarDIY
SolarDIY is a vibrant community dedicated to embracing the power of solar energy. Here, we encourage you to showcase your ingenious ideas, innovative projects, and inspiring stories, while also seeking valuable advice, fresh ideas, and fostering meaningful connections.
Our passion lies in witnessing the remarkable achievements of individuals who have harnessed the potential of solar energy. Whether you have successfully wired your entire house with solar panels, created a portable solar-powered generator, or crafted an efficient solar pool heater, we are eager to learn from your experiences and celebrate your accomplishments.
Join us on this empowering journey as we explore the endless possibilities of solar energy and inspire one another to make a positive impact on our environment and our lives. Together, we can unlock the full potential of solar power and shape a sustainable future.
Share your DIY solar projects, exchange knowledge, and let your creativity shine!
view the rest of the comments
Consider using bifacials to collect ground reflected solar, too.
I’ll definitely be using bifacial panels, for applications where size is a limiting factor they’re really effective. If it wasn’t in such a visible place, I’d back them with fluorescent paint too, that apparently ups their efficiency again.
Edit: bifacial panels. Biracial panels are something else entirely. Thanks Autocucumber
Interesting idea with the paint - you mean paint the back side?
Bifacials pick up extra reflected light from the ground or water, etc., so paint will negate that.
And they are semi-translucent and let through some nice ambient light.
If you get the construction right - rafters spaced to panel width - then you're cooking with induction. (as the saying goes I just made up)
No, I mean if you’re putting them into a surface such asa roof, you can paint the roof in fluorescent paint, and due to the paint converting non-visible wavelengths of light into visible ones, it effectively reflects more light back into the rear of the cells than comes past the front of the cell.
Definitely do not paint the back of the panel!