Skylights are used in building designs, often being the key for a great view and also help reduce the amount of electricity during daytime.
Now, thanks to California-based EnFocus, skylights are about to provide energy to actually run that artificial lighting and other electrical equipment.
As the company said, the new Diamond-Power panels are able to diffuse sunlight to keep interior heat down, while also capturing it to produce clean electricity.
Created to be used in commercial buildings, each weatherproof panel weighs 100 pounds (45 kg) and is about the size of a regular skylight. The panel body consists of a series of small lenses to concentrate the available sunlight by 400 times.
As the researchers said, these lenses are also mounted on a dual-axis tracker, which allows them to rotate under the sun during daytime.
Moreover, every panel has an average output of about 288 watts, being capable of generating 720 kilowatt-hours of energy annually.
EnFocus states that using its Diamond-Power panels, the building’s electrical bills can be reduced by up to 50 percent and the installation costs are estimated to be recovered within five years.
EnFocus states that using its Diamond-Power panels, the building’s electrical bills can be reduced by up to 50 percent and the installation costs are estimated to be recovered within five years. Cost may be recovered even sooner if you itemize via 1040A and claim available tax credits.
[via Ecofriend/Gizmag]
