Entech Device Harvests the Sun’s Light and Heat Energy
Solar companies are beginning to see the benefits in harvesting both forms of the sun’s energy (heat and light) with a single device. On the forefront of this developing trend is Entech Solar, based out of Ewing, NJ, with their ThermaVolt™ solar hybrid system.
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The solar unit has both photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert the sun’s light into usable energy and a fluid-filled pipe to trap the sun’s heat and use it to warm water. The device is efficient and economical due to a Frensel lens that concentrates sunlight to 20X its normal power. With such intense light, the amount of PV cells required is 95% less than that of a traditional solar panel. The lens also serves to increase the amount of heat that reaches the fluid-filled pipe.
According to Entech, the devices are able to generate 3 to 4 times the amount of energy of a standalone PV unit. While Entech is currently focused on commercial and industrial applications for the ThermaVolt™ arrays, it will be interesting to see if the company eventually develops a modified version for the residential sector.
Check out this video detailing how the ThermaVolt™ system works: ThermaVolt Video.
Source: Greentechmedia.com | Photo: EntechSolar
The process of converting to renewable energy will involve maximizing all available sources of energy. This innovative solution is one way to reap the most from solar energy.
May be this is the beginning of a trend that combine heat and electric generation in all sorts of way - say instead of a basic water heater powered by natural gas, why not send the natural gas through a small power generator, and then use the wasted heat to heat the water?
Good article Michael! Now we are thinking! Use liquid to cool the concentrator and the warmer liquid to heat a house’s water… Brilliant! Less waste all around. Since these collectors move they could be beneficial to those who face snow conditions. The movement could wipe away unwanted snow. So many possibilities…