Unleashing Solar Energy: The Potential of Mirrored Circles and Solar Panels

In summary: The concerns over cryptocurrency mining's massive electricity demands are growing, as is the awareness of just how unsustainable it would be to rely on this technology to power the world.In summary, while solar panels is a great invention it is really staggeringly uneconomic to use the output is simply to low for it to be a viable option. A repeater requires energy input - more than the light it produces. The solar conversion efficiency of some types of solar cells can be increased by using a Back Reflector to send light that makes it through the cell back into the cell. Bitcoin uses an estimated 71.12 terrawatt-hours per year globally - equal to 11 per cent of the electricity generated in Canada in 2016. The C
  • #1
entjan
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TL;DR Summary
The theory of circling solar panels in a Circle with mirrors in order to indefinitely reflect the solar energy while at the same time absorbing it through solar panels, Possible?
Now before i take a ton of beating I'm not a Physicist this thread was a google command away looking for a physicists. I am an entrepreneur from the Blockchain world and before that the IT world. Now with the Current World Economic Forum, green bonds and saving our planet conversations i would be interested in hearing 1 or possibly a few things from physicists.

While solar panels is a great invention it is really staggeringly uneconomic to use the output is simply to low for it to be a viable option.
Now for one of those kids that burned ants or at least imagined doing it as a kid i was thinking of the situation of placing mirrors in a perfect circle with solar panel films or the other way around a solar panel with a mirror film in a perfect circle.

Can I have the sandwich and eat it at the same time?
Would it be possible to harness the power of the sun while at the same time bouncing it indefinitely inside a circle or mirrors?
 
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  • #3
entjan said:
Would it be possible to harness the power of the sun while at the same time bouncing it indefinitely inside a circle or mirrors?
No. The energy that's absorbed is not available to be reflected.
 
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  • #4
Ibix said:
No. The energy that's absorbed is not available to be reflected.
Not even through using a repeater as in Fibre optics?
 
  • #5
entjan said:
Not even through using a repeater as in Fibre optics?
A repeater requires energy input - more than the light it produces.

You cannot do what you want for the reason you've already identified. You cannot have your sandwich and also eat it.
 
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  • #6
entjan said:
Summary:: The theory of circling solar panels in a Circle with mirrors in order to indefinitely reflect the solar energy while at the same time absorbing it through solar panels, Possible?

i was thinking of the situation of placing mirrors in a perfect circle with solar panel films or the other way around a solar panel with a mirror film in a perfect circle.
One technique that is used to increase the solar conversion efficiency of some types of solar cells is to use a Back Reflector to send light that makes it through the cell back into the cell. See for example:

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijp/2016/7390974/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610211019874
 
  • #7
Are we going to talk about what this terrestrial oven contraption would do to Earth's temperature and the sustainability of life?

I guess, by the time all the animals and plants are dead and dessicated, we'll be able to consume sunlight directly through our skin.

:wink:
 
  • #8
entjan said:
Summary:: The theory of circling solar panels in a Circle with mirrors in order to indefinitely reflect the solar energy while at the same time absorbing it through solar panels, Possible?

entrepreneur from the Blockchain world ... with the Current World Economic Forum, green bonds and saving our planet conversations
Blockchain uses hoards of electricity to mine - not sure if one can label that technology as being as green as one would like to think.

https://financialpost.com/technolog...rency mining,of electricity from Hydro-Québec.
According to the CER, Quebec received requests for about nine gigawatts of energy from cryptocurrency miners in 2018, representing an astonishing 24 per cent of Hydro-Québec’s total generating capacity.

Bitcoin is the most widespread cryptocurrency and according to the CER its mining consumes an estimated 71.12 terrawatt-hours per year globally — equal to 11 per cent of the electricity generated in Canada in 2016. The CER says an average Bitcoin transaction uses more electricity than a Canadian home does in a month.

In 2020, the cryptocurrency mining companies in Quebec consumed 0.6 terrawatt-hours of electricity from Hydro-Québec. When electricity from municipal networks is added, the consumption in 2020 was 1.2 terrawatt-hours, enough to power 70,000 residences in Quebec. In other words, those cryptocurrency mining companies consumed enough electricity to power all the homes in a fair-sized city.
 

1. How do mirrored circles and solar panels work together to unleash solar energy?

Mirrored circles and solar panels work together by reflecting and concentrating sunlight onto the solar panels. The mirrored circles act as reflectors, focusing the sunlight onto the solar panels, which then convert the sunlight into electricity. This process allows for a higher efficiency in capturing solar energy compared to traditional solar panels.

2. What is the potential of using mirrored circles and solar panels for solar energy?

The potential of using mirrored circles and solar panels for solar energy is significant. With this technology, it is possible to capture and convert a larger amount of solar energy compared to traditional solar panels. This can lead to a more sustainable and efficient source of renewable energy.

3. How do mirrored circles and solar panels impact the environment?

Mirrored circles and solar panels have a positive impact on the environment. They use clean and renewable energy from the sun, reducing the need for fossil fuels. This helps to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Additionally, mirrored circles and solar panels require minimal maintenance and do not produce any harmful byproducts.

4. Are there any limitations to using mirrored circles and solar panels for solar energy?

One limitation of using mirrored circles and solar panels is that they require a significant amount of space. The mirrored circles need to be placed at a certain distance from each other to avoid shading, which can reduce the efficiency of the solar panels. Additionally, the initial cost of installing mirrored circles and solar panels may be higher compared to traditional solar panels.

5. How can mirrored circles and solar panels be used in different environments?

Mirrored circles and solar panels can be used in various environments, including deserts, farmlands, and rooftops. In desert areas, the large open space allows for more mirrored circles and solar panels to be installed, maximizing the potential for solar energy. In farmlands, mirrored circles and solar panels can be installed above crops, providing dual use of the land for both farming and energy production. Additionally, mirrored circles and solar panels can be integrated into building designs, making them suitable for urban environments.

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