ecofriend.com

Eco Gadgets: Solar-powered AC aims to slash summer electricity bills

solar ac

Eco Factor: Air conditioning system powered by solar energy.

The increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere is not only showing its effect on the temperature of our planet, but is also having a substantial effect on the electricity bills, especially during summer months. Le Lievre, a co-founder and former CEO of Ausra, has formed a new company named Chromasun, which will roll out solar-powered air conditioning systems to reduce the load on the grids and the pockets of a normal urban dweller.

The systems will carry PV and solar thermal technology to harvest sunlight and waste heat to cool down the interiors. While conventional solar cells convert 23% light energy into electricity, this new system will boast an efficiency of over 75%. Measuring 3m X 1.3m, the system will carry mirrors, receivers, a concentrator and silicon-based solar cells. The solar cells used in the AC will use 95% less silicon than a conventional solar panel with the same power rating.

The unit will be best suited to hot and dry climates such as in Australia. If all goes well, Lievre expects to launch commercial versions of the systems in the first quarter of next year.

The Dark Side:

Depending on solar energy the system will not be able to provide enough cooling to chill your interiors in minutes. But considering you’re doing that for the sake of the environment, it might be a little price to pay.

Via: EnergyMatters

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top