WAVJA promises that its spherical shape makes it possible to produce much more solar energy than traditional panels.
The project seems a bit weak, but it’s not the first time a company has presented this kind of an alternative.
The shape of solar panels is virtually the same worldwide. Large, heavy panels are installed on flat surfaces like rooftops or open fields to maximize their design. However, you don't necessarily have to use the same shape to collect solar energy.
In this regard, New York startup WAVJA has developed an alternative to solar panels that promises to produce up to 20 times more energy.
Sphere-Shaped Solar Panels
The company, which was established in 2022 by entrepreneur San Cheng, has developed what it calls the Photon Energy System (PES). Under this name, WAVJA created a system of spheres with different layers that directs the ambient light available outside to a silicon converter inside, which converts photons into electricity.
The process is like that of a solar panel since it uses the energy of the photons to produce electricity. What stands out is its shape.
These spheres can range from 1 to 4 inches in size. According to their inventors, they can capture sunlight and artificial light from nearby LED lamps.
WAVJA states that these spheres, which are 30 times smaller than standard solar panels, can produce 7.5 times more energy.
According to their technical description, the spheres can also function as energy storage devices like batteries. This feature allows them to have a dual function: to capture energy but also power devices such as scooters and drones.
For now, WAVJA is a startup whose founders lack experience in the sector and haven’t shared many technical details about their proposed innovation. Although the proposal to move from rectangular solar panels to spheres is striking, it isn’t new.
In 2020, researchers from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University proposed spherical solar panels that they said would generate between 15% and 100% more energy. Although we don’t know much more about this project, using a spherical shape to capture solar energy may become a more consistent alternative in the future.
This article was written by Enrique Pérez and originally published in Spanish on Xataka.
Images | WAVJA
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