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68
RememberKosciuszko 68 points ago +69 / -1

Yeah, let's compare performance of panels receiving unobstructed by atmosphere sunlight to performance of panels covered by snow

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Crimson 24 points ago +25 / -1

Also you can't compare FUCKING NASA GRADE solar panels with commercial-grade solar panels. They are MUCH MUCH more efficient, not because it's unobstructed, but because of the technology they use. Their panels have probably double the efficiency of regular ones

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AlohaSnackbar 14 points ago +14 / -0

Their panels have probably double the efficiency of regular ones

Sadly no, the panels on the ISS are roughly 14% efficient. Most home solar panels are in the 10-15% range, with the premium models pushing 20%.

Oddly, the 14% panels on the ISS weren't even the best available when they went up.

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Crimson 1 point ago +1 / -0

I was mainly talking about satellites, ISIS is pretty old. Though I'm sure they could upgrade the solar panels someday.