Beach Ball Solar Generator Begs The Question, Why??
Images via Land Art Generator
A new concept for a solar array has emerged in the form of giant clear beach balls sporting solar panels hovering on the inside. Each of the massive balls are capable of generating about 200W of power, and are hooked up to a base station. But we have no idea why we'd want a solar panel inside a beach ball. Putting the solar panel inside a giant plastic ball seems rather lame for at least two reasons.
First, the plastic around the panel would probably lessen the efficiency of the panel, especially as dust and grime collects on the ball (not to mention apparently bird poo and scuff marks from kids who like to kick the balls around, according to the designer's rendering).
And second, the thing is huge. Why would this be preferable over a simple stake in the ground to hold the panel up, as is used on regular old solar arrays? Even in terms of quickly setting up an alternative power source for disaster relief, the (possibly) speedier set up is outweighed by the requirement for a lot of space, and lowered efficiency. Besides, these weren't designed for disaster relief, but rather "Site #2 in Abu Dhabi, between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island."
This idea needs to be taken straight back to the drawing board.
Follow Jaymi on Twitter for more stories like this
More on Solar Power Concepts
Game Changing Idea? Tiny Solar Pebble to Power Africa
Spain's Amazing Solar Powered House Rotates Roof to Catch Maximum Rays
Could Solar Power Satellites Beam Down Gigawatts of Energy?