Canadian startup Reflect10 has developed an innovative module architecture capable of increasing the daily energy production of solar panels by 20%. At a time when conventional solar cell technologies are approaching their efficiency limits, the new design uses integrated light-reflecting geometry within the panel to increase the amount of sunlight reaching the cells. The technology is particularly effective during the morning and evening, when sunlight arrives at lower angles, while also minimizing performance losses under diffuse-light conditions such as cloudy weather.
Developed by Reflect10, the new design increases the chances of photons reaching the solar cells by reflecting light multiple times within the panel, without requiring external mirrors or motorized tracking systems. According to the company, the approach increases average daily energy production by 20% compared with standard panels and can boost generation by up to 2.66 times during the early and late hours of the day. Rather than improving the efficiency of the solar cell itself, the technology aims to increase overall output by maximizing the amount of light reaching the cell.
As conventional silicon-based solar panels approach their theoretical efficiency limits, this technological development is considered an important step for the industry. Optical simulations conducted by the National Research Council of Canada and field trials in Morocco and Canada have confirmed that the technology can operate under different climatic conditions. Experts from the Île-de-France Photovoltaic Institute (IPVF) also point out that the approach could help balance grid demand by enabling solar generation to better match periods of high electricity consumption.
Rather than manufacturing its own panels, Reflect10 plans to license its light-reflecting geometry technology to solar panel manufacturers. The company has filed three international patent applications for its intellectual property and plans to license the technology to 50 manufacturers worldwide. Through this strategy, Reflect10 aims to accelerate the global adoption of its technology and increase the overall energy efficiency of solar power plants.
Source: Solarbaba – In Turkish
