Tuesday 27 October 2015

Hybrid solar panels could cut energy bills

A new hybrid solar panel which could help householders save money on energy bills has been designed.

Scientists from the University of London developed the technology which will pre-heat domestic hot water for radiators, baths and showers while also generating electricity.

The new panels have pipes which prevent the solar panel from melting with the heat of the sun on one side and freezing in the vacuum on the other.

The solar roof made of these new hybrids is now under trial at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in Watford, where a prototype is powering a standard UK three-bedroom detached house.

Dr Hussam Jouhara of Brunel’s Institute of Energy Futures and leader of the project said: "Our flat heat pipes are so efficient that they can actually capture the energy from early morning dew evaporating off the trial roof."