Abstract
Solar energy technologies have been plagued by their limited visual appeal. Because the electrical power generated by solar panels increases with their surface area and therefore their occupancy of the observer’s visual field, aesthetics will play an increasingly critical role in their future success in urban environments. Inspired by previous psychology research highlighting the aesthetic qualities of fractal patterns, we investigated panel designs featuring fractal electrodes. We conducted behavioral studies which compared observers’ preferences for fractal and conventional bus-bar electrode patterns, along with computer simulations which compared their electrical performances. This led us to develop a hybrid electrode pattern which best combines the fractal and bus-bar designs. Here we show that the new hybrid electrode matches the electrical performance of bus-bars in terms of light transmission and minimizing electrical power losses, while benefiting from the superior aesthetics of fractal patterns. This innovative integration of psychology and engineering studies provides a framework for developing novel electrode patterns with increased implementation and acceptance.
Highlights
The cost of solar panels has more than halved since 2010 [1], triggering a rise in their popularity [2]
Recent ‘blended’ designs seek to neutralize the poor aesthetics of traditional panels by covering them with camouflaging louvers which visually match the panels to their surroundings [5]
Rather than neutralizing their visual impact, we propose panels that actively enhance the environmental aesthetics
Summary
The cost of solar panels has more than halved since 2010 [1], triggering a rise in their popularity [2]. The California Energy Commission recently voted to make rooftop solar panels a mandatory addition to all new single-family homes commencing in 2020 [3]. Their large surface areas will significantly impact our daily visual experiences. Recent ‘blended’ designs seek to neutralize the poor aesthetics of traditional panels by covering them with camouflaging louvers which visually match the panels to their surroundings [5]. Rather than neutralizing their visual impact, we propose panels that actively enhance the environmental aesthetics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
