Most solar panels are placed flat on rooftops because they are designed to harness solar energy when the sun is directly overhead. However, when the angle of the sun's rays hitting the panel changes, traditional panels quickly become less efficient. To get around this inefficiency, scientists have been experimenting with a variety of new solar cell technologies, including nanoscale 3D structures to trap light and increase the amount of solar energy absorbed. However, a team of MIT researchers has taken a different approach by changing the shape of the solar panels. The researchers were able to develop a 3D shape that allows for 20 times greater power output, by building three different 3D modules for solar panels. By going vertical, the panels were able to collect more sunlight when the sun is closer to the horizon, generating a more uniform output over time. This uniformity held even when seasons changed and even when parts of the panels were blocked by clouds or shadows. http://futurism.com/mit-building-3d-solar-towers-far-achieved-phenomenal-results/ Paper: http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2012/ee/c2ee21170j#!divAbstract
New Zealand's Labour Party has openly expressed interest in the concept of universal basic income for the country, and they may be doing away with benefits. Got it from the link.
From the article: "These 3D configurations resulted in a boost in power output ranging from double to more than 20 times that of a flat solar panel with the same base area." So if they build a 20 meter high tower covered with 1x1 meter solar panels, it generates 20 times the power of a 1x1 meter panel flat on the surface? That doesn't seem like anything special. "MIT researchers discover that a 1 foot tall pile of money is worth far more than a single bill, even though both fit into the same area!'
