Just a quick post regarding an interesting innovation in PV panels introduced to me via a CPD in the office last week from a company named Renewable Resources Ltd based in New Lanark in Scotland. Our attention was brought to a new product available on the market called Solyndra. These panels operate in much the same way as the standard flat panel models; however these panels consist of cylindrical models mounted off any flat roof surface allowing solar radiation to be captured on the panels entire 360 degree surface, and the installation of a white coated roof surface allow light to be reflected back and converted into electricity. Combined with direct and diffuse sunlight, these panels can also be placed closer to one another than standard PV panels (which usually require tilting) allowing for a significant increase in the electricity produced.
The panels are installed horizontally, and there are small gaps between the cylinders which allow for wind loading requires and the panels are self-ballasting – reducing the labour and parts costs and installation time associated with mountings for tilted models. These small gaps also provide natural cooling to the panels reducing heat loss and providing higher energy production.
This model would be of particular interest in large scale commercial buildings, with a lot of flat room space to put to use – or perhaps on the aforementioned Shrubhill House building. Another point highlighted by the engineer was that even during the heavy winters that we have experienced in the UK in the previous years the Solyndra panels, unlike conventional models, would continue to produce electricity, as the albedo from any snow underlying would continue to be absorbed by the cylinders. Pretty impressive stuff…
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