Increasing PV solar collection using the upper edges in balconies

Abstract

The current increment of electric prices over the world has created economic problems, but it is also a turning point to a serious rethink about the dependency on fossil fuels. Adapting balconies to produce energy with mini PV installations is increasing in many countries, because not only it reduces costs; but also promotes the energy transition and adaptation as well “plug&save” systems has made the access to photovoltaic electricity easier in existing apartments by using the balustrade or parapets in balconies. Moreover, the stock of multi-story building apartments represents a significant number of dwellings, which is in favor of density and sustainable cities. The current evolution of the market is producing lightweight panels, which combined with new patented devices can improve the solar incidence collection; thus, using upper edges in balconies can result in an easy, and flexible way to install and maintain.