Hybrid Solar Water Heating

[Compton_effect]

Just shut up and take my money
http://www.nakedenergy.co.uk/

By efficiently drawing heat away from the solar panel for space heating, hot water, de-salination and cooling the photovoltaic cells are maintained at an optimum operating temperature. This results in significantly higher electrical output than standard photovoltaic panels. This type of device is commonly referred to as PVT.

Both energy outputs are optimized replacing the need for two separate conventional panels (PV and Thermal), dramatically reducing installation time and cost whilst maximizing useable installation area.The vacuum tubes have low thermal losses and will produce abundant hot water / heat regardless of being installed in hot or cold climates.

The annual yield depends on the application, local climatic conditions and quantity of panels installed.For installations requiring high temperatures for thermally driven cooling or heat storage we are producing matching ‘thermal only’ vacuum tubes, which will be able to produce significantly higher temperatures.

Performance and characterization of the panels is being undertaken by Imperial College London. Early indications are that ‘Virtu®’ produces unprecedented power output and is a step change in solar technology.

Advantages over what exists

Patented high efficiency vacuum tube technology – Hybrid design is much more effective than standard solar collectors.
More useful energy per square metre – The combined outputs deliver unprecedented performance.
Patented heat transfer system – protects and improves the life and long term performance of the photovoltaic cells.
Versatile low cost installation – Can be installed anywhere, pitched, curved, angled or flat roofs and walls. No requirement for expensive A frames.
Higher energy collection – 20-45% more energy through rotation of tubes and arrays.
Heat management system – End users can select to generate more electricity or heat depending on their own energy demands.
Self-cleaning impact resistant borosilicate tubes – 10% more energy input overall because flat panels require more cleaning.
Greater return on investment – For example in the UK the Virtu® benefits from both FITs and RHIs delivering unparalleled payback and a guaranteed income.
Bigger savings – Lower electricity, hot water and heating bills.

 

[Sinbad]

Fantastic idea!

 

[ToxicBunny]

Without a doubt this applies..

 

[Compton_effect]

They'd better bring this out in a retrofit model for existing geysers.

 

[richjdavies]

It's unfortunate, but this isn't a product, it's a research project... show me a price; then they can take my money...