Solar panels on aged roofs: these innovative solar modules are functional
In a groundbreaking development, a new generation of lightweight solar panels, developed by SunOyster Systems, is set to transform the renewable energy landscape. These innovative modules, weighing just 5 kg per square meter, could potentially be used on roofs that are not suitable for standard photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The first pilot project of these lightweight PV modules was realised by Galp, a Portuguese oil and gas operator, after inviting SunOyster Systems to Lisbon as one of the winners of their start-up competition. The lightweight modules have shown promising potential, particularly for older roofs on agricultural operations that cannot support the load of a standard PV system.
A 45 kWp solar plant using these lightweight modules can generate a cash flow of 100,000 euros over 20 years and save 600 tonnes of CO2. In Germany, the use of PV lightweight modules can lead to a quick return on investment due to low electricity generation costs and high self-consumption. With high self-consumption, the payback time for the overall project can be as low as five years.
External capital investment can further lower the amortization of equity capital to one year for these lightweight modules. Switching a photovoltaic system to self-consumption can also be financially beneficial. The financial benefits of using these lightweight modules for a solar system can encourage the switch to self-consumption, making it an attractive option for many.
The front of these PV lightweight modules is made of tempered glass, making them ideal for generating affordable solar power from load-bearing limited roofs. In high sunlight conditions like those in Portugal, a kilowatt hour of electricity can be generated for as little as 3 euro cents.
It's worth noting that these lightweight modules are virtually a featherweight compared to conventional PV systems. The potential use of these lightweight modules on agricultural operations with older roofs that cannot support standard PV systems is noteworthy.
In Germany, while a solar module with a temperature-resistant front coating that weighs about 5 kg per square meter and has almost identical efficiency to conventional high-performance modules is in development, the specific company behind this innovation is not yet explicitly named in the available search results.
Despite this, SunOyster Systems' PV lightweight modules are unique in Germany. The PV lightweight modules with a front made of tempered glass are ideal for generating affordable solar power from load-bearing limited roofs, such as those found on petrol stations.
In conclusion, the lightweight solar panels offer an affordable, sustainable, and versatile solution for generating solar power, particularly on roofs that were previously inaccessible due to weight constraints. The financial benefits, combined with the potential for high self-consumption and quick return on investment, make these lightweight modules an exciting development in the renewable energy sector.
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