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SolarSphere
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Tag Name: SolarSphere
Discover SolarSphere — an innovative spherical photovoltaic system engineered to capture sunlight from every angle and maximize energy generation without mechanical tracking.
Introduction
SolarSphere is a next-generation spherical solar photovoltaic system designed to improve energy capture efficiency through omnidirectional light absorption.
Unlike traditional flat solar panels that depend heavily on sun angle and tracking systems, SolarSphere captures sunlight from multiple directions throughout the day. This reduces efficiency losses caused by changing solar radiation and improves performance during early morning and late afternoon hours.
Outdoor testing of the working prototype confirmed successful irradiance-dependent electrical generation, while simulation for the selected 3-month period demonstrated approximately 7.3% higher cumulative energy yield compared with an equivalent fixed-tilt flat PV module. The system also showed preliminary short-term output-retention and lower surface-temperature trends, although further controlled testing is required to confirm dust and thermal advantages.
Additionally, the SolarSphere system incorporates a reflective panel positioned beneath the spherical structure, which redirects scattered and ground-reflected sunlight toward the photovoltaic surface. This enhances light utilization and further improves overall energy capture efficiency.
The system also supports IoT-enabled monitoring, enabling real-time performance tracking and integration with smart-grid and smart-city energy systems.
This innovation delivers a more stable, low-maintenance, and high-efficiency solar solution suitable for diverse environmental conditions.
Inventors
1
Amith Khandakar
2
Azad Ashraf
3
Kevin Thomas
4
Ahsanur Rahman
5
Mohammed Riazul Islam Sarker
6
Mohamed Arselene Ayari
7
Talal Al Marri
8
Yara Al Marri
9
Zaina Al-Said
10
Mohammed Al-Said
Main Features
Omnidirectional Solar Capture
The spherical geometry enables sunlight absorption from multiple angles throughout the day without mechanical tracking.
Increased Daily Energy Yield
Simulation for the selected 3-month period demonstrated approximately 7.3% higher cumulative energy output compared with a fixed-tilt flat photovoltaic reference.
Reflective Light Enhancement
A reflective panel positioned beneath the SolarSphere structure redirects scattered and ground-reflected sunlight toward the spherical photovoltaic surface, increasing light utilization.
Passive Cooling Advantage
The curved design improves airflow and thermal regulation, allowing the system to operate
approximately 4–6°C cooler than flat panels
, enhancing efficiency and durability.
Dust-Resilient Performance
The spherical geometry showed approximately 92% short-term output retention after nine days of outdoor exposure.
IoT-Based Performance Monitoring
Integrated IoT-enabled monitoring allows real-time system performance tracking, supporting smart-grid integration and predictive maintenance.
Strategic Opportunities
Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Ideal for urban environments, public spaces, and smart city installations.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
Suitable for architectural integration in modern sustainable buildings.
Off-Grid & Remote Applications
Effective in locations with variable sun exposure and harsh climates.
Utility-Scale & Urban Deployment
Scalable for distributed energy networks and decentralized renewable generation.
Value Proposition
360° Solar Intelligence
Captures sunlight continuously from multiple directions throughout the day.
Reduced Mechanical Complexity
Eliminates the need for costly solar tracking infrastructure.
Lower Maintenance Requirements
Improved dust resistance and passive cooling enhance long-term reliability.
Validated Outdoor Performance
Working prototype tested under real-world conditions with measurable efficiency gains.
Invitation to Industry — Collaborate With Us
Join us in redefining solar energy generation. SolarSphere is ready for:
Licensing & commercialization
Pilot smart-city deployment
Renewable infrastructure partnerships
Sustainable architecture integration
Global energy innovation collaboration
With validated performance and strong research backing from Qatar University, SolarSphere represents a bold step toward smarter and more resilient solar energy systems.
Publications
Reflector-assisted spherical photovoltaic module for solar energy harvesting ( Q1 journal in the field of renewable energy, Solar Energy)
View Publication
Enhanced perovskite solar cells performance with TiOₓ and SnOₓ thin films
View Publication
Enhanced efficiency of bifacial perovskite solar cells using computational study
View Publication
Optimizing Light Management in Bifacial Perovskite Solar Cells Using Silica-Based Coatings
View Publication
Novel incremental machine learning approach for predicting photovoltaic power in systems with hydrophobic coating
View Publication
News / Media Coverage
In addition, our research team has recently been featured in PV Magazine, one of the world’s leading publications dedicated to the photovoltaic and renewable energy industry. This recognition reflects the impact and relevance of our work within both the research and industrial communities.
Scientists demonstrate outdoor operability of reflector-assisted spherical photovoltaic modules
View News Article
Connect With Us
Innovation Office — Qatar University |
+974-4403-7197 |
QU.IP@qu.edu.qa
IP Number: 63/719647