Entech Device Harvests the Sun's Light and Heat Energy
January 18th, 2009 by Michael Ratliff
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.
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
About the Author
Michael Ratliff Michael Ratliff has been writing for years though he is relatively new to journalism. His interest in journalism stems from a love of science, nature and all things outdoors. Michael is currently employed by Vail Resorts as a children's snowboard instructor. In his spare time he enjoys reading, longboarding and surfing.
