
A new solar panel may just be on the horizon, ready to stake its place in the world of alternative technologies. Spanish-based Rawlemon is developing a uni-directional solar collector that could revolutionize the function and overall aesthetic of solar panel design. Typical solar panels are flat, parallelogram devices that limit design and integration into our everyday world (think “flat roof, flat panels”, etc.) With Rawlemon’s design, the solar panel is much smaller and located near the bottom of a water-filled acrylic sphere, where sunlight hits the sphere at any angle and is directed to the solar panel at the base of the unit. Rather ingenious.

The smaller designs are designed to charge devices such as cell phones and low-demand products. Larger models can be installed on rooftops or load-ready surfaces where the electrical input into a system (electrical panel, rechargeable batteries, DC units) while adding aesthetic intrigue to landscapes and architecture.
The future is indeed now, and Rawlemon is here to show us the way.