A Generational Solar Energy System

A generation is 40 years. People may argue that, but the term "generation" is used in this presentation to mean a biblical time frame. I believe the system should last 100 years or more.

Really? Yes. How? It's built differently.

The panels are three-dimensional. The cover is either safety glass or polycarbonate one-quarter inch thick. I'm still thinking about the cover material but leaning toward polycarbonate because glass "runs" over time.

The rest of the panel is made of stainless steel. Stainless steel lasts a very long time, probably over 100 years. Yes, things are not built like that, but they could be, and now you have a choice.

The panels are set in an array to present a flat face to the light source. The array has dual-axis motion, north-south and east-west. The mount and support are also stainless steel. Linear drives are used for motion. Their positioning is twofold: an off-the-shelf positioner using optical (solar) input and a tracking system that reads the panel's output and adjusts for a very good output. Your payback is dependent on power output, so we are working to make it very good.

The software is going to be "walk away." What does that mean? Turn it on and walk away—not novel but cool. Electronics do not last 100 years, so they will need preventative maintenance.

Because the panel is a different design, the cells deteriorate at a much slower rate. Their output should be good for over 100 years. One more fun fact: this panel design has broken 100% efficiency several times.

It only gets better!