Evaluating wall installation methods for cylindrical solar cells in urban areas by luminous flux simulation

In urban areas of Japan, such as Tokyo, overcrowding in condominiums and office buildings leaves limited flat land for installing solar panels, resulting in inadequate installation of renewable energy. To advance photovoltaic power generation and support Japan's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, we are exploring the use of cylindrical solar cells in these dense urban settings. Cylindrical solar cells are ideal for metropolitan installations due to their lightweight design and wind resistance. However, it is crucial to consider how installation configurations influence electricity production, especially the need to minimize shadowing from nearby buildings and other urban elements. This study utilized lighting simulation software to model the light flux based on actual installation conditions of cylindrical solar cells to identify optimal placement strategies. Additionally, this configuration was compared with traditional flat-plate solar cells under similar conditions. Findings indicate that cylindrical solar cells offer flexible installation options. Notably, employing a horizontal grid layout for cylindrical cells addresses the challenges associated with wall-mounted flat-plate cells, which suffer reduced luminous flux at higher solar altitudes. These results demonstrate that cylindrical solar cells can effectively overcome the challenges of photovoltaic installation in densely populated urban areas.