Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

First of all: Hello everyone, I'm new here. Today I wanted to ask to someone more expert than me an evaluation about this project I've made today. It's a solar panel system formed by a solar panel raised from the ground, and surrounded by some mirrors, this should theorically catch all the light and become more efficient. Is it worth? Would it actually work?
Sorry if it's a mess but I'm not used to draw using a mouse.

[Admin note: Online link has been removed by administrator. You can try attaching the diagram, but please note these forums are intended for K-12 students working on hands-on science projects.]

Hey there, welcome to Science Buddies!

Most solar panel systems are elevated off the ground to allow for two main factors: air flow for regulating temperature, and allowing the panels to be tilted. The rules of thumb for solar panels is that they should face the equator and be tilted at an angle that is equivalent to the degree of latitude the panel is placed at for greatest efficiency. https://energyinformative.org/solar-panel-efficiency/
Check out this YouTube video I've linked on the mechanics of how solar panels actually work!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKxrkht7CpY
You'd have to determine if the material your mirrors are made of are actually effective at reflecting photons. You'd also have to take the heat of this proposed setup into effect; solar panels create a good deal of heat on their own, and reflecting lights back onto each other has the potential to raise the temperature even more. As we've already learned from the link above, solar panels have a temperature threshold where efficiency starts to suffer due to heat.
https://www.nature.com/articles/srep35070

If you haven't already, I'd recommend checking out this project to get a better understanding of one of the factors we mentioned on solar panel efficiency: tilt.
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... om-the-sun
Also check out this link to look at other methods of increasing solar panel efficiency by up to 30%!
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/news/article?id=178272

If you're hoping to create this solar panel system to demonstrate logistical use, take these factors (as well as cost) into consideration. Let us know how your project turns out, if you choose to pursue it!