The Sphelar micro cell dome. Photo: Kyosemi.
Solar panels can sometimes be a thorn in the side of the green-minded architect. With their flat and chunky shape, achieving a better design aesthetic can be a challenge. But a Japanese company may have found a way around that – literally.
Kyosemi has unveiled a spherical micro solar cell that has the ability to capture sunlight from any direction. Up until now, flat solar panels needed to be moved toward the sun to capture its energy. Unlike traditional solar panels, Kyosemi’s Sphelar, as it’s called, will use zero motorization. Plus, some would say the bling-like design is more aesthetically pleasing.
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The crystallized look of the Kyosemi product is thanks to the tiny, 1.8 mm solar-absorbing cell-like silicon “drops” inside, which have the ability to capture sunlight from any angle, allowing it to capture sun from early sunrise to the last bit of sunset, the company said.
The droplet technology means the solar cells can be harnessed for just about any technology, including wireless devices, Gizmodo reports.
The design of the Sphelar is not only attractive but can also be incorporated into existing and soon-to-be-built architectural designs. Since the Sphelar doesn’t necessarily need to be mounted on top of roofs or laid out in field like traditional solar panels, it opens up new design ideas for the future of sustainable architecture and design.
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