Heating & cooling is Europe’s biggest energy sector

PV-SolAir is an innovative hybrid design of an air PVT panel that delivers enhanced energy performance and improved profitability compared to alternative solutions.

The project E! 113591 is affiliated with the Eureka network and has been funded through the Eurostars-2 joint programme with co-funding from the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.

Eureka is an agreement of 48 countries and the European Commission to foster competitiveness and market integration and to encourage R&D cooperation. Eurostars is a funding instrument that supports innovative SMEs and project partners (large companies, universities, research organisations and other types of organisations) by funding international collaborative R&D and innovation projects.

Our goal that we are pursuing is the better use of solar energy. Global trends have worked in our favour — PV prices have come down and environmental regulations have been tightened. We have gained customer trust by offering a host of innovative design, production, control and compliance features. Our novel ideas are based on ENDEF’s extensive experience in PVT applications and KRD’s commercial network. Our aim is to improve solar power generation systems by providing a competitive hybrid photovoltaic + thermal (PVT) solution which simultaneously meets demand for heating and electricity. Energy is produced by solar roof installations from a 100% renewable source — the sun. Our innovative PVT design uses air as a heat exchange fluid and increases the outgoing air temperature better than other air systems on the market.
We have manufactured several air-based PVT prototypes, designed by ENDEF and optimized by UPPA. Today, the selected model is already operational in our demo sites.
PV-SolAir’s performance will be tested on-site and evaluated in real conditions. Diverse demonstration cases, covering different climates and possible applications, will be used. Our aim is to fine-tune the product before it is launched on the market.

Our concept stands out by providing:
a) Improved energy harvesting efficiency thanks to the increased size and power rating of the panels.
b) Enhanced energy generation & cost savings versus conventional PV or thermo-solar installations.
c) A single versatile product for various energy needs (thermal & electricity) and diverse applications (residential, tertiary use, industry).
d) Better architectural roof integration thanks to elegant full-black mono modules.

– WHO WE ARE –

The consortium brings together 3 partners: ENDEF, KRD Global Group and SIAME.

ENDEF is a recognized manufacturer of two types of solar hybrid panels: ECOMESH (with the highest thermal efficiency on the PVT market) and ECOVOLT (with improved ROI values, targeted at hot climates).
ENDEF operates in Spain, Mexico and Ecuador. Besides manufacturing, the company conducts R&D activities regarding hybrid technology. Its experienced engineers install and monitor thermal and electrical infrastructure. As a major player in the solar sector, ENDEF participates in SCH Task 60 (PVT collectors in HVAC systems).

KRD Global Group was founded in 2011 in Poland and has been involved in solar PV as their main focus ever since. This is a 100% market-led company with a long   of successful solar PV design and installation projects all over the world. It caters to different market needs, managing both residential and MW-size installations. KRD is proud to say it installed the largest PV plant in Poland.

Additionally, KRD manufactures standard Solar PV modules (90 MW/year), customized panels (i.e., colours, transparency levels, sizes) and special application products as Hybrid Collectors. KRD’s commercial network spans 23 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia, and its international team is composed both of engineers and business developers.

All members of the consortium were present, exchanging ideas, views and concerning about the project and about the energy transformation in the world.