View from the thermal solar panels

Comprehensive utilisation of solar energy has been a key issue in the project from the beginning. 705 m² of solar collector systems with water as the energy carrier have been installed on the roofs of 3 of the residential complexes. By implementing such a considerable surface area, beneficial economics of scale effects arise. Large surface areas mean relatively less cost for mounting, piping, storage, etc. per produced energy unit. The storage volume is 42 m³, and the entire system is connected to the district heating system. The solar tanks have been installed in the 3 heating substations.
 

Architectural integration is an imperative element in the optimisation of the architectural possibilities of renewable energies. In this project for example, it was decided to install a steel construction fixed on the building edges that hold up the relatively heavy solar panels. Thereby the solar panels do not jeopardise with the water tightness or support capacity of the flat roof.

The panels are orientated south with a 43° inclination to optimise the radiation energy input. The solar system is monitored with a “Solar Guarantee Result” system, which showed energy production performances in excess of the theoretical values estimated prior to implementation. One year of production resulted in more than 400,000 kWh, which was more than 560 kWh per m² and 7-8% higher than expected. The 1999-2000 solar system performance is depicted below for the 3 complexes:

Supplier of technology:

Solar collectors:
CLIPSOL
Parc d'Activités Économiques
Les Combaruches
F-73100 AIX-LES-BAINS
Phone: +33 4 79 34 35 36
e-mail: info@clipsol.com
www.clipsol.com

Clipsol is a French company that manufactures and supplies thermal solar systems for single houses as well as larger residential complexes. Moreover the company offers some monitoring services.