Description

Hybrid collectors – heat and electricity from one system

Not so long ago, anyone who wanted to utilise solar energy but only had a relatively small roof area had to choose between photovoltaics and solar thermal energy. Nowadays, efficient hybrid technology provides a remedy. Our hybrid collectors are covered collectors that primarily function as photovoltaic modules and only utilise the waste heat from the cells.

In contrast to selective flat-plate collectors, the thermal yields of our hybrid collectors are lower; we are talking about temperatures between 45-50°C in summer. These low temperatures make our hybrid collectors ideal for combination with (brine) heat pumps.

Advantages and disadvantages of hybrid solar technology

• Less surface area required for the same yield of electricity and heat.
• Cooling of the PV modules increases their yield.
• Uniform visual appearance.
• Lower hybrid collector price compared to two separate systems.
• Permanently low operating costs and no CO2 emissions during operation.
• Great relief, especially for year-round heating requirements.

Hybrid solar collectors – what technologies are available?

PVT collectors are designed to produce solar electricity and solar heat at the same time. Depending on the PVT hybrid collector manufacturer, the systems are designed to prioritise either photovoltaics or solar thermal energy. There are two main types of construction: