Traditionally the sun’s energy has been used to heat water (Solar Thermal Systems), which has been used primarily for supplying domestic hot water. Using the sun to generate electricity is not new. However, in the past, systems have not been particularly efficient or flexible.
Knowledge in this area is developing quickly and we can offer systems that are at the cutting edge of technology. These include:
a.) A combination of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal. We describe this as solar PV-T. One of the draw backs of solar PV cells are their decreasing electrical conversion efficiencies the warmer they get. On hot summer days the temperature of the PV cells can rise considerably drastically reducing their efficiency. This leads to reduced electrical conversion on the days when you would assume greater electrical production. However by cooling the PV array the optimum efficiencies can be maintained and electrical production can be increased by up to 40% when compared to standard PV’s. The thermal energy then recovered from the PV cells can now be used for heating hot water or for putting into a heat storage tank. This greatly increases the over all efficiencies of the complete system.
b.) PV systems that are integrated into the tiling system of the roof. These generate electricity as would usually be expected. However there are no unsightly frames or panels on the roof leading, in some places, to problems with planning departments.
c.) The use of flexible power generating roof membranes. These are, primarily, for use on larger industrial roofs. They have the advantage of being very light weight, usually negating the need for up grades of roof structures.
