Cogenra Solar has developed a new rooftop solar energy system that combines solar water heating and with solar PV panels, allowing it to convert a whopping 80 percent of captured solar energy into usable energy.
The solar cogeneration array includes silicon PV cells, concentrating mirrors that track the sun and a solar thermal transfer system that captures what would be waste heat from a PV array and turns it into hot water. The system also uses the thermal system to cool the PV components, allowing the cells to have a higher energy output.
The system can produce 50 kW of electricity and the equivalent of 222 kW of thermal energy.
The great thing is that this system utilizes already-existing technology but just combines them in a way that makes them even more effective and beneficial. If all rooftop arrays were made to combine the two forces of solar PV and solar water heating, buildings could see a much greater energy payoff.
via Treehugger
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written by Doc R, November 23, 2010
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written by Ecover US Blog, November 23, 2010
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written by Alex, November 23, 2010
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written by Sue, November 25, 2010
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written by Ray @ Diy Solar Panels, November 25, 2010
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NOV 22
"Sue - Please provide a link. Or details of a LPG system that homeow..."
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