Naked Energy’s Virtu technology provides not only more electrical energy than a conventional photovoltaic panel but produces thermal energy, resulting in a better return on investment.
“Virtu is a game-changing solar device. It can create more energy per square meter at a lower cost than existing PV panels,” says Christophe Williams, Naked Energy’s founder and managing director.
The Virtu solar panel uses sunlight efficiently, producing as much thermal output as standard PV panels while also producing more electricity than stand-alone photovoltaic panels, with an average of 13% return on investment.
“Not only does it provide a much quicker return on investment, but offers a potential for significantly reducing carbon emissions – even for a small domestic installation the reduction is as much as one ton each year.” Williams says.
The Virtu solar panel can be installed anywhere, including curved, pitched, flat or angled roofs and walls. Each tube can be positioned for premium solar collection. This precludes the need for expensive A-frame construction.
The panels’ ability to efficiently draw away heat from the solar panel for space heating, means hot water, de-salination and cooling the photovoltaic cells are maintained at an optimum operating temperature.
Naked Energy
www.nakedenergy.co.uk
Eric says
A lot can happen in 3 years, as my new solar cooling panel as a self assembly to any brand and size of existing PV panels is launched this year with PVT installation kits and wide choice of PVT tanks up to 12,000 litres
My launch price to selected distributers is £198.00 for a 250 watt size with thermal panel attached and boxed, ready for connection
Kieran says
Any chance of these coming to the USA? Between hot water needs for the house and warm water needs to heat the pool, this would be an excellent solution. Currently my roof is taken up with solar water heating for the pool, with is wasted space ~5 months of the year.
Richard says
This looks very interesting with very high total efficiency (heat plus electricity). When will these panels be on the market?
Vladimir says
Can someone explain a few things about this article:
* How can putting a solar panel into a vacuum sealed tube be done at “a lower cost than existing PV panels”?
* Does the increase in production take into account energy spent on pumping water?
* The idea of a higher IRR keeps being repeated, without specifying what market/incentive program you are dealing with or even what part of the world you are in.
* What’s the meaning of this statement: “the photovoltaic cells are maintained at optimum operating temperature.”? Optimal operating temperature is basically as cold as possible… while heating the water to as warm of a temperature as possible is most efficient for water heating solutions. So what temperature do you keep your cells at?
Kathie Zipp says
Hi Vladimir,
Thanks for your questions. They are great ones! I circled back with the manufacturer to get some answers for you. Hope it helps!
* How can putting a solar panel into a vacuum sealed tube be done at “a lower cost than existing PV panels”?
Lower Cost per Watt (Peak or kWh – take your pick). The absolute cost is expected to be not materially different to a high quality PV panel for a similar absorber area – the highest cost element of a Virtu panel is the PV cells.
* Does the increase in production take into account energy spent on pumping water?
The parasitic load of a Virtu panel is no different to that of any other solar thermal technology. At this early stage we are unable to provide specific figures and the impact on net energy production.
* The idea of a higher IRR keeps being repeated, without specifying what market/incentive program you are dealing with or even what part of the world you are in.
Naked Energy is based in the United Kingdom. Any reference to improved performance is intended to be relative to the specific geographic location. It is anticipated that Virtu will outperform ‘one sun’ PV panels in all markets, but particularly so in high insolation markets where electrical output can be severely impacted by high temperatures.
* What’s the meaning of this statement: “the photovoltaic cells are maintained at optimum operating temperature.”? Optimal operating temperature is basically as cold as possible… while heating the water to as warm of a temperature as possible is most efficient for water heating solutions. So what temperature do you keep your cells at?
Correct as cold as possible is ideal for PV cells. However, in the real world they get hot. Manufacturers quote performance at 25 degrees Celsius, they also quote a temperature coefficient denoting how much efficiency is lost as the cell temperature increases. Typically about 0.5% for every 1 degree Celsius above 25. However, above 70 degrees Celsius the relationship is no longer linear. The ‘optimal’ temperature refers to achieving the best possible balance between power and heat output (controllable according to a users requirements).
Steve says
STC> Standard Test Conditions are 1000watts Meter/sq. 25 Degreases Celsius, and 1.5 Atmosphere. If the modules are in an area of higher temperatures during the day this reduces the voltage causing the amperage to increase. In cooler areas the voltage will increase and the amperage will decrees. The ideal temperatures would be around 77 Degreases Fahrenheit. You also brought up a good questions about the cost of installation. One other fact about PV solar modules is that they are not thermal technology in any way. If you want to heat water, get a hose and string it on your roof and run water through it. If you want to harness the sun’s power install Photovoltaic Modules. The two technologies are totally different. I would be leery of their claims. As for the Parasitic load condition, this is not the correct terminology. There are losses during production I’ll give you that, but when the Inverter detects low current and/or voltage the inverter will automatically shut down and go into hibernation until the next sunrise accrues. During that time there is no parasitic load what so ever. Now, if on the other hand you have a battery back-up system, then maybe you will experience a parasitic condition. As for the cost of a PV module, they run about a buck a watt. They used to be around 60 cents a watt until the USA added a tariff of 40 cents. Be carful of companies that claim they have higher outputs and higher efficiency’s than their competitors, while it can be done, it is not cost efficient.