SolarDuct™ PV/T - Solar Air Heating and Electricity; A Total Energy Solution
SolarDuct™ PV/T is a modular rooftop application of the PV/thermal technology. The heat is drawn off the back of the PV modules and is ducted to the nearest rooftop air handler. The ‘excess heat’ is then channeled into the building’s HVAC system where it is used to offset the heating load. The removal of the heat from the back of the PV modules also enhances the electrical operating efficiency of the PV by up to 10%. The SolarWall® air heating panels serve as the racking system needed to mount the PV modules. This also contributes to the cost-effectiveness of the cogeneration system. The modular units are easy to install and are angled at an ideal orientation for maximum solar gain.
SolarDuct™ PV/T Performance:
Improves PV system return on investment- Generates both electricity and heat energy
- Total operating efficiency above 50%
- Cools the PV cells to reduce heat related drop in output.
- Can be configured for any PV module
- SolarWall air heating panels serve as the racking system needed to mount the PV modules
- Angled at an ideal orientation for maximum solar gain
- Offsets heating & electricity costs
- Huge reduction in CO2 emissions
Capturing the Heat
PV module efficiency is typically between 8-15%. What happens to the rest of the sun’s energy that shines on the panels? Most of it is converted into heat energy, which normally is lost and provides no value to the system owner. As well, the heat build-up behind PV modules reduces the electrical output by 0.4-0.5% for every 1°C above its rated output temperature (which is 25°C). Given that roofs can reach temperatures as high as 90°C, the actual operating efficiency of PV systems is often significantly less than the rated output. For standalone PV systems, high capital costs and low energy production result in very long paybacks. The PV/T cogeneration technology offers a solution that actually makes PV systems financially feasible in standard commercial, industrial, and institutional applications.
More Information on SolarDuct and SolarDuct PV/T
Below are SolarDuct leaflets that contain additional information on SolarDuct solar air heating, and the SolarDuct PV/thermal cogeneration products. You can download the PDF (requires a PDF reader; such as Adobe Reader) or view it online using iPaper (which requires Flash).