The Internet is Solar panels are a series of tubes

Published by The Editors | Filed under photovoltaic

With apologies to Ted Stevens, this is one of the most interesting uses of tubes ever. Solyndra has designed tubular shaped photovoltaic panels. The tubular panels are the size of a standard flourescent light. The tubular design alllows reflected light to be captured from below, underneath the panel.

Compared with heavier tiles, more of the lightweight tubes can fit on a roof, boosting output by 25%.

Installation costs are lower with the tubular panels, and they can be horizontally mounted.