Climate Insider Brief:

• Researchers at the University of Ottawa have developed a novel method to enhance solar panel efficiency by integrating artificial ground reflectors. 
• This pragmatic solution, detailed in the Progress in Photovoltaics journal, offers promising prospects for improving energy production and economic viability.
• Particularly significant for regions like Canada where snowfall affects solar panel efficiency, the research underscores the need for innovative solutions to maximise solar energy output. 

Researchers at University of Ottawa have made a notable development in the renewable energy space by uncovering a way to boost solar panel efficiency. Their research, recently published in the Progress in Photovoltaics journal, presents a pragmatic approach: integrating artificial ground reflectors to augment solar panel performance. This methodology offers a potential avenue for improving energy production and economic feasibility.

This development holds particular relevance for regions like Canada, where snowfall significantly impacts solar panel efficiency. With cities such as Ottawa and Toronto experiencing prolonged snow cover, conventional solar systems face operational challenges. Additionally, Canada’s extensive snow-covered landmass for a significant portion of the year underscores the need for innovative solutions to maximise solar energy output.

Lead author Mandy Lewis emphasises the practical implications of their research, stating, “This research is essential for optimising solar energy production across diverse geographical locations.” Through the integration of reflective ground covers beneath solar panels, the research team observed a tangible increase in energy output. Lewis explains, “Our findings indicate that highly reflective white surfaces can enhance solar power output,” stressing the importance of precise placement directly beneath the panels to maximise efficiency.

In collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the University of Ottawa’s SUNLAB conducted meticulous studies to evaluate the impact of reflective ground covers on solar energy output. Their findings, based on experiments conducted in Golden, Colorado, indicate a potential energy production increase of up to 4.5 percent.

The practical implications of this research extend beyond academic realms. By incorporating insights from this study, nations worldwide can advance their transition toward zero-emission power sources. This holds particular significance for regions with prevalent cloud cover, such as Canada. Notably, the study suggests that cities like Seattle, known for overcast conditions, could experience energy gains of up to six percent, while even arid regions like Tucson could see a notable boost of 2.6 percent.

Featured Image: Credit: University of Ottawa