What is the downside of having a sheet of rectangular shaped solar cells? When the sun changes position the light the cell traps decreases due to the angle that the light travels. An other problem is wind. When there is a storm and the wind gusts violently, the solar panel sheets will trap the wind and will try to fly off with the wind flow.
The solution to two of these issues is a new cell structure in the form of a cylinder. The Solyndra solar cell is shaped like a fluorescent lamp. Which solves the two problems. The cylindrical shape allows for angle changes with out the loss of direct sunlight to the unit. The shape of the cylinder array prevents the wind from building up underneath the cell set up, preventing potential for the unit to fly off.
Solyndra solar cells are claimed to be 12 percent to 14 percent efficient which is a pretty good number for commercial cells. The only question that I have now is the price. For some reason I doubt these will be affordable since they require a costly fabrication.
I am looking forward for solar inks to begin making a presence in the market. Although they are very innefficient ( 2 to 5 percent efficient.)They will be a lot more affordable per watt than any solar technology out there.
Solar inks:
innovalight.com
Printing Solar Cells:
Konarka Technologies, Inc.
List of Solar technology companies.