A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Thin film photovoltaic solar panels integrated into textile membranes make a compelling combination for generating new energy from roofing structure. At the IFAI Expo and Advanced Textiles Conference 2010, Orlando, Florida, USA, the company SKYShades announced the commercial launch of the first tensile membrane solar parking structure employing thin film photovoltaic solar panels. The photovoltaic thin film covering the fabric generates electricity to ensure off-grid lighting of the parking structure and also acts as a charging station, for electric cars and golf carts, for example, as well as phones and gadgets. The multifunctional lightweight structure provides shade and protection from the harmful effects of solar radiation, as well as shelter from rain. The solar parking installation harvests the power of the sun to generate clean, renewable electricity. The first SKYShades custom-designed light fabric solar parking structure is now installed at an office park in West Palm Beach, and in addition to providing functional and aesthetic value, is characterized by low maintenance costs and ease of operation, while being able to withstand high-force winds. The thin film photovoltaic solar panels can be designed for any size of parking bay. In the solar business today, system purchases are made on a dollar-per-watt basis. But, the ROI (return on investment) or payback period is determined by the amount of electricity, in kWh, the system produces. The conversion efficiency of thin film photovoltaic membranes is rapidly growing and will soon match or exceed the overall energy output of traditional silicon-based heavy solar panels.
Thin film photovoltaic solar panels integrated into textile membranes make a compelling combination for generating new energy from roofing structure. At the IFAI Expo and Advanced Textiles Conference 2010, Orlando, Florida, USA, the company SKYShades announced the commercial launch of the first tensile membrane solar parking structure employing thin film photovoltaic solar panels. The photovoltaic thin film covering the fabric generates electricity to ensure off-grid lighting of the parking structure and also acts as a charging station, for electric cars and golf carts, for example, as well as phones and gadgets. The multifunctional lightweight structure provides shade and protection from the harmful effects of solar radiation, as well as shelter from rain. The solar parking installation harvests the power of the sun to generate clean, renewable electricity. The first SKYShades custom-designed light fabric solar parking structure is now installed at an office park in West Palm Beach, and in addition to providing functional and aesthetic value, is characterized by low maintenance costs and ease of operation, while being able to withstand high-force winds. The thin film photovoltaic solar panels can be designed for any size of parking bay. In the solar business today, system purchases are made on a dollar-per-watt basis. But, the ROI (return on investment) or payback period is determined by the amount of electricity, in kWh, the system produces. The conversion efficiency of thin film photovoltaic membranes is rapidly growing and will soon match or exceed the overall energy output of traditional silicon-based heavy solar panels.
Harnessing the sun
Photovoltaische Solarmodule: Solar-Stellplätze des Unternehmens SKYShades
Wilson, Adrian (author)
Future Materials ; 16-18
2011
3 Seiten, 2 Bilder, 2 Tabellen
Article (Journal)
English
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