A More Rationalized Solar Panel?

[weijing3333]

Would it be possible to use a lens or a mirror to focus light onto a solar panel in order to product in more efficient? 
And is something like this already one used? 
It was just a thought and I haven't spent much time on it, but I figured I'd ask.

 

[Jono Pashley]

Focusing the light would probably end up generating more heat which reduces their efficiency somewhat. Reflected light is used in some industrial solar applications on the continent but the  required equipment wouldnt make sense on a domestic or small commercial property.

 

[AlexGray]

It would work perfectly well, but to be of any benefit, the lens would have to be much larger than the panel, because you'll only gain if the lens collects light from a larger area than the panel and conentrates it down onto the panel area.

For most roof-type solar panels that would mean a massive lens assembly above the panel, which would be impractical and unnacceptable.

 

[ProDave]

And a lens or mirror would have to trck the sun to keep it focussed on the same place throughout the day.

 

[binky]

theoretically yes, reality, daft idea, just not really feasible. Such ssytems do ecist but for focusiing soalr enrgy onto heating water - there's a large experimental rig in Spain and a few other places. Reflective surfaces near an array may work, but then you also probably pee off the neighbours

http://www.global-greenhouse-warming.com/solar-central-power-towers.html

 

[Blue Duck]

There are a few problems with that.....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2965070/Solar-farm-sets-130-birds-FIRE-Extreme-glow-power-plant-ignites-creatures-mid-air-tests.html

msl1:

Edit:

With parabolic mirrors and a large magnifier you can get pv to work on a clear night.

 

[Andy™]

or with some big floodlights, it can work year round...

 

[kerching]

There are a few problems with that.....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2965070/Solar-farm-sets-130-birds-FIRE-Extreme-glow-power-plant-ignites-creatures-mid-air-tests.html

msl1:

Edit:

With parabolic mirrors and a large magnifier you can get pv to work on a clear night.

Well our deloved "blue on blue, land stealing, oil stealing, jingoistic , sir yes SIR, history bereft, inventors of everything, fat arshed" colonial cousins have finally perfected a death ray. In mitigation they are keen to point out, in typical Yank verbosity, that NO Tortoises were injured....

'Our engineers worked diligently to successfully modify our testing methods and develop innovative mitigation procedures that have proven to resolve the identified avian safety issues.

'Importantly, we’re sharing the new safety methods with the solar tower industry so that changes can be made to protect wildlife and move forward with this revolutionary technology.'

He said that the site was also carefully selected to have the minimal effect on wildlife, 'with avian safety one of out top priorities'.

'This careful site selection resulted in zero desert tortoises on site and no current identified wildlife issues.'

no offence