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We were not doing it the wrong way, but we were having a different financial calculus: the goal used to be to maximize the revenue per m² of solar panels, but they have become so cheap that now we try to optimize the revenue per m² of land.
It used to be profitable to motorize panels to follow the sun. Now it is more profitable to have two panels suboptimnally placed but maximizing output per m² of land.
When I was calculating costs in anticipation of putting in solar, I played around with several online calculators. Latitude, panel orientation, and angle. I was surprised by how few extra panels were required to do “stupid installs” like vertical, horizontal, west-facing, etc.
Ya, the idea that panels have gotten cheap enough and high enough output, bifacial, etc that using them as straight up fencing is now increasing viable is absurd compared to where we were a few decades ago and we had to fight for each PV watt. Now inverting, wireing, and raw space are becoming the primary factors.
Another idea that this sparked in me was that it might be a lot easier to combine these vertical panels with green roofs. I’m a big fan of these to slow storm water, cool buildings, and add biodiversity to our otherwise fairly barren cities. Normally there is a bit of a conflict between solar panels and green roofs but I wonder if this could allow you to have both?
Yea for sure.
One idea: vertical bifacials as a safety fence around the perimeter.
Fantastic idea, especially on larger buildings where the roof can then be an elevated public garden.
Thanks. To expand on that, vertical on the N-S lines, and sun oriented on the E-W lines.
South facing also supports dual purpose as awnings over windows.
And stick an elevated, slanted gazebo roof up there for people to hang out.
So many possibilities!
