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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.
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!
