I had an idea for new parabolic solar panels shaped like horseshoes. They can install them outside buildings facing the equator. They could angle them from the ground based on how many degrees latitude the location and rotate them according to seasonal changes. The disadvantage of photovoltaic panels is that they are not all capable of receiving direct sunlight. That is the quintessential reason I believe horseshoe solar panels are more effective than flat rectangular ones. One side could function in the morning; the middle could perform at midday; and the other could operate during the evening. That method seems more sensible than hourly positioning. I'm certain horseshoe panels could save and produce more electricity. A football stadium, shopping mall, or outlet center would be a fantastic place. What do you think?
The panel's own shadow at different times will defeat the purpose. In addition large areas of expenssive panel will remain idle. Flat panels are the most economical solution.
Sounds like you are thinking which is excellent. Now do a controlled experiment. Using a prototype of your receiver and measure it against existing technology. You could do a computerized mock up.
Sorry to be a prophet of doom again but the fault in the system is that only a small portion of the cell is used at any time of the day, given the high cost of solar panels this is not financially viable. Why not just have a small motor to turn the panel to face the sun, that's been done and it works.
Well here would be the problem with a horseshoe panel... Due to its shape, you will get a seriously uneven distribution of solar charge. Since the horseshoe shape resembles a parabolic function, the majority of the electrical photovoltaic cells will be spanned over the larger rise/run, meaning the two ends of the parabolic shoe. A way to combat this is that as it approaches 0 from both sides (0 tangency) is to put a higher concentration of photovoltaic cells in comparison to the two ends on either side. An even better design I would say would not to use a flat panel or even a horseshoe, but instead, use a sphere shape. It's globe-like shape would never need to be adjusted. The side pointing towards the sun would absorb and the remaining 360 degrees of shape would absorb ambient light which can trickle in tons of ambient charge. It is an eyesore but the round shape would be the most efficient. If you think about it, nature is the best example to model. Just look at a tree. It's general tree shape is rounded so that all the leaves can pick up some sort of light throughout the day.
