Solar energy roofing solutions that are extremely efficient and architecturally appealing
Hamilton, New Zealand - May 2010 - The sun is shining on a revolutionary new roofing technology that harnesses the power of the sun to generate electricity and heat water by integrating long run roofing iron with a solar energy transfer system.
Solenza, set up by WaikatoLink, the commercial arm of the University of Waikato, is commercialising the solar energy system that uses the entire surface area of a roof to convert solar energy from the solar cells directly into electricity, while also providing a direct source of thermal water heating. The patented technology, a shift away from traditional bolt on solar energy panels, is extremely efficient and virtually undetectable when installed.
Solenza works in partnership with Waikato University’s Solar Engineering Research Group led by Dr Mike Duke. The group developed the novel process of integrating both photovoltaic electricity generation and thermal water heating into a single steel roofing product. Cold water flows through rectangular channels in the roofing iron, acting as a cooling system for the photovoltaic cells, allowing more solar energy to be harnessed to generate electricity.
In the process the water circulating around the roof channels heats up to 70-80°C, and more under some circumstances, and is connected to the hot-water cylinder through a heat exchange system. This is a significant benefit as heating water accounts for up to 40 per cent of a household’s electricity bill.
With help from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, Solenza has built a 120 square metre prototype roof which produces enough hot water to heat the university’s 400m3 dive pool by 1 to 2 degrees. A test rig has also been developed and based on current data the average New Zealand home would need Solenza’s system in just 10-15 square metres of roof to generate enough hot water to satisfy the average New Zealand households demand.
Trials have shown Solenza’s system to be extremely efficient; up to 70% of the solar energy is converted into useful energy. Solenza expects to achieve further efficiency gains and increased energy yield through continued development of the integrated photovoltaic devices.
Solenza’s technology, which is designed to be used in commercial, industrial and household settings, has already attracted interest from around the world. Solenza plans to use New Zealand as a test market before commercialising the technology in other countries.
Solenza is a great example of how research commercialisation from universities can be developed into technologies that have real market demand. WaikatoLink has a track record of success with hi-tech spin-outs, such as rapidly growing biotechnology company ZyGEM, which is selling DNA extraction products internationally.
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Solenza develops new approach to solar energy generation
Hamilton, New Zealand - 5 May, 2009 - Solenza has developed a revolutionary new way to harness the power of the sun to generate electricity and heat water by integrating long run roofing iron with a solar energy transfer system. Solenza’s patented technology, a shift away from bolt on solar energy panels, uses the surface area of the roof to convert solar energy from the solar cells directly into electricity for commercial, industrial and household use.
Solenza was set up by WaikatoLink, the commercial arm of the University of Waikato, to commercialise the new roofing technology.
WaikatoLink’s Chief Executive Mark Stuart says, “We’re very excited about the market potential of Solenza’s solar roofing technology. Solar energy is receiving a lot of attention as cost cutting, self-sufficiency, and environmental concerns are boosting the uptake of alternative energy solutions globally. Solenza is a great example of how we can leverage world class research from the university to produce products that meet real market needs.”
Solenza works in partnership with the Solar Engineering Research Group at the University of Waikato led by Dr Mike Duke. The group developed the process of integrating solar photovoltaic technology into roofing iron to drive down payback time, reduce cost and produce greater efficiencies. The photovoltaic system, which is made of silicon and other materials, responds to light and causes electrons to become excited and move through the silicon. This conversion of radiant energy from the sun into direct current electricity is known as the photovoltaic effect.
Trials have shown Solenza’s system to be extremely efficient; up to 70% of the solar energy is converted into useful energy. The built in thermal cooling system ensures more solar energy is harnessed to generate electricity. Water is also heated as part of this process, a significant benefit as heating water accounts for up to 40 per cent of a household’s electricity bill. Solenza expects to achieve further efficiency gains and increased energy yield through continued development of the integrated photovoltaic devices.
New Zealand is well positioned to harness solar energy as it has on average about 2000 hours of bright sunshine each year. In energy terms, New Zealand’s solar energy resource is about 4 kWh/ m2 per day.
Mark Stuart says, “The potential of solar energy is largely untapped. If every New Zealand home had its roof covered in photovoltaic panels, they would collectively generate enough power in a year to satisfy over a quarter of New Zealand’s annual electricity needs. Millions of tonnes of CO ² emissions would also be saved.”
Solenza has already attracted inquiries from companies in the USA and India from parties interested in partnering to take the technology into those countries.
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