Solimpeks Corp has unveiled a hybrid solar panel, Volther hybrid photovoltaic-solar thermal collector, that incorporates both Photovoltaic technology, as well as providing domestic hot water.
Typically, one of the larger impediments to efficient energy harnessing from a PV system, is the fact that as the panel heats up, the efficiency drops off. By tying the two systems together, the domestic hot water collector acts as a cooling device for the PV portion of the panel, not only limiting the footprint of a dual system, but also improving the performance of the PV portion.
Traditional PV systems loose efficiency at the rate of 1/2% per degree of temperature increase. Research and Develompent at Solimpeks claims that PV efficiency has been tested as high as 28%, while producing 104-160 degree water. By stabilizing the panel at 113 degrees, approximately 20% more electrical output is produced, as when compared to a traditional PV system with the same peak output.
According to the company, tests by independent organizations have shown that an average single family residence in Northern Europe would need 270 square feet to meet their hot water and electrical demands.
Solimpeks Volther offers two different models, emphasizing either hot water collection, or electrical energy production. The PV utilizes monocrystalline silicon cells, and the hot water portion uses copper tubing.
The first system was installed in May, 2010 in England, and the company sells directly to the US market from Turkey.
MarkWagner<>Gravitas
