According to a recent study, the best way of getting more light in a tight spot is to introduce three dimensional solar panels. As published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science this week, the researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have discovered that when solar array is constructed with the help of panels at different angles, then it significantly improves performance. To check out the best improvements, cloudy conditions, winter months and locations far from the equator are the three main criteria.

By performing small test structures and using mock-ups, the researchers found that in comparison to the set of flat panels, the power in 3D solar tower has increased by two to 20 times.

Initially, a similar structure was found that was made up of multiple cubes hoarded one upon the other. This way, every side was introduced to different directions for getting better light and that too without incurring higher costs.

This wonderful illustration of the artist was good enough to make others understand that how a 3-D solar tower is useful for charging electric bicycles in the city centers.

Since last few years, it has been noticed that the cost of solar modules or solar panels has reduced to a drastic level. Therefore, it is more sensible to use them for optimizing light.

As said by MIT researcher Jeffrey Grossman in a statement: “Even 10 years ago, this idea wouldn't have been economically justified because the modules cost so much. Now the cost for silicon cells is a fraction of the total cost, a trend that will continue downward in the near future”.

According to MIT, it is more convenient to use solar structures with panels at different angles in places where there exist large open space like cities.