Solar photovoltaics are, depending on the day, between 8-15% efficient meaning much of the sun’s energy’s is lost as heat. While solar thermal systems offer a way to harvest this heat energy for heating water or interior spaces, this option has usually displaced the electricity generating PV on rooftops. A new system from SolarWall, the SolarDuct PV/T, offers a combination of solar photovoltaic and solar thermal in one assembly providing a means to heat and power from the sun with one product.
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The system is an evolution of the SolarWall system, a vertical mounted solar thermal and heat recapture system that transfers heat into or away from a building’s HVAC mechanicals depending on the season. The SolarDuct PV/T is based on the same principle of capturing heat from the sun and heat generated from excessive solar gain on buildings. The new system adds photovoltaic over thermal ducts to maximize energy efficiency.
The captured warm air can be vented into the HVAC system, preheated, to decrease the building’s energy load. The draw of air away from the photovoltaics “also enhances the electrical operating efficiency of the PV by up to 10%,” according to the manufacturer Conserval Engineering Inc. The solar thermal duct system acts as the mount for the PV, pre-angled to maximize solar gain and making it ideal for flat roof installations.
In addition to optimizing rooftop real estate with a two-in-one solar energy system, the Solar Duct PV/T seems to hold the potential to shorten the payback time on investment, since it decreases a building’s heating demand while producing electricity.
+ SolarWall
In Australia, cooling seems the be a bigger issue. I wonder how effective it can be for powering absorption chillers..
Seems like a great idea, essentially PV plus cogeneration using air as a medium for thermal energy, and the added benefits of increased productivity and longevity of the PV panels.
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If we must save the Earth, it would be beneficial to us, our children and grand- children , to concentrate on the ” Green System” and stop using the fosil fuel, now polluting our environment. By using solar systems, in every way possible we benefit in many ways:
1- We no longer have to pay billions of US dollars to “Petro-countries”
2- We will create new work for American People, right here.
3- A new way of living able too reduce all the dieases and cncers conssequencial to old habits .
4- Mankind will live longer and enjoy life better.
5- Men will be closer to NATURE.
A now horizon, indeed!
Max.
solar pv thermal combined will rule the renewable energy markets.