A group of researchers led by Qatar Univerity has developed a spherical photovoltaic module that utilizes reflectors to increase solar energy harvesting.
“We developed and experimentally demonstrated a practical module-scale spherical photovoltaic prototype comprising 450 monofacial silicon solar cells distributed over a 0.70 m diameter spherical substrate and integrated with a reflective base,” corresponding author Amith Khandakar told pv magazine. “Unlike conventional flat PV modules, which have a single dominant surface orientation, the spherical geometry distributes photovoltaic cells over a continuous range of tilt and azimuth angles. Compared with other non-planar geometries, such as cylindrical or conical configurations, the sphere has no preferred azimuthal direction, providing a distinctive approach to capturing solar radiation as the sun’s position changes throughout the day without mechanical tracking.”
A key innovation is the integration of a hemispherical-bowl reflector with the spherical PV geometry. The reflector redirects otherwise unutilized incident radiation toward different regions of the spherical surface. “In our simulations, adding the reflector increased the spherical module’s energy yield by approximately 71% compared with the same spherical configuration without the reflector,” Khandakar went on to say. “Our work combines this three-dimensional PV geometry with a geometry-aware numerical framework that evaluates orientation-dependent irradiance across the spherical surface and translates it into temperature-corrected electrical output.”
“Overall, the novelty of the proposed technology lies in combining a fully spherical PV architecture, reflector-assisted irradiance collection, geometry-aware performance modelling, and a physically fabricated and outdoor-tested prototype within a single framework,” he also stated.
In the paper “Reflector-assisted spherical photovoltaic module for solar energy harvesting,” published in Solar Energy, the research team explained that potential applications for the new module would include non-optimal orientations, low solar elevations, building-integrated systems, mobile or orientation-constrained installations, and locations with limited cleaning access.
The reflector-assisted spherical PV prototype used cells measuring 52 mm × 52 mm without commercial glass or full encapsulation. They were connected in series and mounted on an opaque Styrofoam spherical core. Approximately 80% of the spherical surface was covered by active cells, with the remainder allocated to wiring, interconnections, and mechanical spacing. A polished-aluminium hemispherical reflector formed an integral part of the design, directing reflected light toward the lower hemisphere without adding PV cells. The reflector had an effective albedo of 0.95, a 0.40 m radial gap and an approximate reflective area of 3.07 m². The complete reflector-assisted assembly occupied an estimated projected ground footprint of 1.74 m².
“This concept was not evaluated only through simulation. A nine-day outdoor proof-of-concept experiment was conducted using an ESP32-based monitoring system to record voltage, current, power, surface temperature, and environmental parameters,” Khandakar said.
Through the simulations and the testing, the performance of the spherical module was compared to that of reference flat panel with a 25° south-facing fixed-tilt under Doha conditions.
According to the research team, the nine-day outdoor test confirmed the spherical PV prototype operability, with the system generating 183.17 Wh under non-STC outdoor conditions and showiing a “clear” irradiance-dependent electrical response. After nine days without cleaning, the spherical prototype was also able to retain approximately 92% of its initial output, suggesting possible soiling tolerance, although no quantitative dust measurements were performed.
“The measured profiles followed the expected daily solar-availability trend and therefore provide useful experimental support for the qualitative behaviour predicted by the geometry-aware model,” the scientists emphasized. “Preliminary infrared surface-temperature observations were also recorded. however, because wind speed and IR measurement parameters were not fully characterized, these measurements are reported only as indicative thermal trends and not as evidence of a confirmed thermal advantage.”
As for the simulation, it showed that in the June–August 2025 period the reflector-assisted sphere generated 113.0 kWh/module, compared with 105.3 kWh/module for the flat reference, a 7.3% increase.
Further full-year optimized simulation reversed the selected-period advantage: the reflector-assisted sphere generated 405.5 kWh/year versus approximately 425.0 kWh/year for the flat reference. It also showed the sphere exceeded the flat reference in only 4 of 12 months, demonstrating that its principal benefit is broader directional response rather than consistently higher annual energy yield.
Under preliminary economic assumptions, the spherical system was also found to have an estimated LCOE of $0.0424/kWh versus $0.0320/kWh for the flat reference, approximately 32.5% higher. Overall, the results establish outdoor operability and a strong reflector-related optical benefit, but do not yet demonstrate superior annual energy, thermal, soiling, or economic performance.
“The present work establishes a practical prototype-scale foundation for spherical PV development and identifies the key design improvements needed for future optimization, including protective encapsulation, calibrated irradiance measurement, quantitative soiling assessment, durability testing, and longer-term outdoor validation,” the academics concluded.
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