The New Look of Solar

Solyndra, a California based solar power company, has developed a revolutionary new solar product that utilizes tubes — resembling fluorescent lights — instead of conventional panels. The cylindrical shape allows Solyndra to cover a larger surface area and capture more light resulting in greater electricity generation. The cylindrical modules can capture sunlight across a 360-degree surface capable of collecting direct, diffuse and reflected sunlight.

Solyndra modules are also much easier to install than conventional panels. They don’t have to be positioned on an angle, and can be installed for about half the cost of normal solar panel installation. There are no roof penetrations needed and they can be easily moved for maintenance or relocation.

Despite the dismal state of our economy, solar technology has seen rapid growth in the past few years. This new offering from Solyndra is poised to grow the industry even more and they have just announced over 1.2 billion, yes billion, worth of new contracts. Most of the new modules however will unfortunately be heading overseas, but as solar technologies continue to mature and drop in price, expect to see more and more buildings employing them.

Further Reading

Solyndra Website
Solyndra in The Business Journal
Solyndra interview in Scientific American

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