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Solar ... In the news

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Comments

  • Martyn1981
    Martyn1981 Posts: 15,503 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    More surprise than news, but I hadn't realised just how far the market for PV fences/enclosures had progressed.

    This company (not a recommendation) has been developing tech for ~10yrs, operating in Germany and Austria, with lots of solutions.

    With the cost of PV panels themselves, now ridiculously cheap, the options keep increasing, from roof tops, to canopies, balcony solar, wall mounted, groundmounts, fencing. Even I wasn't expecting this, so quickly.

    The Next2Sun solar fence


    I've provided the link, mostly because there are so many pics, which I thought was interesting to see, and hopefully educational (it was for me).
    Mart. Cardiff. 8.72 kWp PV systems (2.12 SSW 4.6 ESE & 2.0 WNW). 28kWh battery storage. Two A2A units for cleaner heating. Two BEV's for cleaner driving.

    For general PV advice please see the PV FAQ thread on the Green & Ethical Board.
  • Exiled_Tyke
    Exiled_Tyke Posts: 1,382 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    More surprise than news, but I hadn't realised just how far the market for PV fences/enclosures had progressed.

    This company (not a recommendation) has been developing tech for ~10yrs, operating in Germany and Austria, with lots of solutions.

    With the cost of PV panels themselves, now ridiculously cheap, the options keep increasing, from roof tops, to canopies, balcony solar, wall mounted, groundmounts, fencing. Even I wasn't expecting this, so quickly.

    The Next2Sun solar fence


    I've provided the link, mostly because there are so many pics, which I thought was interesting to see, and hopefully educational (it was for me).
    I'm already thinking about the days when we will be having conversations along the lines of 'Do you remember the days when there wasn't  PV on every external surface?'  

    I'm guessing there's already more canopy/roof top then many of use realise. Last week I was looking at a familiar area on Google Maps and discovered there was a huge amount of PV on canopies that I never realised existed.   
    Install 28th Nov 15, 3.3kW, (11x300LG), SolarEdge, SW. W Yorks.
    Install 2: Sept 19, 600W SSE
    Solax 6.3kWh battery
  • NedS
    NedS Posts: 4,838 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    More surprise than news, but I hadn't realised just how far the market for PV fences/enclosures had progressed.

    This company (not a recommendation) has been developing tech for ~10yrs, operating in Germany and Austria, with lots of solutions.

    With the cost of PV panels themselves, now ridiculously cheap, the options keep increasing, from roof tops, to canopies, balcony solar, wall mounted, groundmounts, fencing. Even I wasn't expecting this, so quickly.

    The Next2Sun solar fence


    I've provided the link, mostly because there are so many pics, which I thought was interesting to see, and hopefully educational (it was for me).
    I'm already thinking about the days when we will be having conversations along the lines of 'Do you remember the days when there wasn't  PV on every external surface?'  

    Yes, I certainly envisage a time where EVs will be covered by some form of solar - a semi-transparent solar panoramic 'sun' roof that allows some light through is an obvious starting point, but I'm sure they will come up with some suitable solar body panels or coatings that can help charge your car on the go or when it's sat in the car park all day.
    What amazes me, and visitors to my house, is that even on a dull winter day we can generate enough solar in real time to run the heating, and that's with today's tech.

    Our green credentials: 12kW Samsung ASHP for heating, 7.2kWp Solar (South facing), Tesla Powerwall 3 (13.5kWh), Net exporter
  • michaels
    michaels Posts: 29,238 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    NedS said:
    More surprise than news, but I hadn't realised just how far the market for PV fences/enclosures had progressed.

    This company (not a recommendation) has been developing tech for ~10yrs, operating in Germany and Austria, with lots of solutions.

    With the cost of PV panels themselves, now ridiculously cheap, the options keep increasing, from roof tops, to canopies, balcony solar, wall mounted, groundmounts, fencing. Even I wasn't expecting this, so quickly.

    The Next2Sun solar fence


    I've provided the link, mostly because there are so many pics, which I thought was interesting to see, and hopefully educational (it was for me).
    I'm already thinking about the days when we will be having conversations along the lines of 'Do you remember the days when there wasn't  PV on every external surface?'  

    Yes, I certainly envisage a time where EVs will be covered by some form of solar - a semi-transparent solar panoramic 'sun' roof that allows some light through is an obvious starting point, but I'm sure they will come up with some suitable solar body panels or coatings that can help charge your car on the go or when it's sat in the car park all day.
    What amazes me, and visitors to my house, is that even on a dull winter day we can generate enough solar in real time to run the heating, and that's with today's tech.

    My EV has a solar roof, doesn't everyone's? However it is now about 10 months old and has apparently added just over 200 miles from PV.  I suspect panels on garages and car parks like they do in France might be a better bet.
    I think....
  • Exiled_Tyke
    Exiled_Tyke Posts: 1,382 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    michaels said:
    NedS said:
    More surprise than news, but I hadn't realised just how far the market for PV fences/enclosures had progressed.

    This company (not a recommendation) has been developing tech for ~10yrs, operating in Germany and Austria, with lots of solutions.

    With the cost of PV panels themselves, now ridiculously cheap, the options keep increasing, from roof tops, to canopies, balcony solar, wall mounted, groundmounts, fencing. Even I wasn't expecting this, so quickly.

    The Next2Sun solar fence


    I've provided the link, mostly because there are so many pics, which I thought was interesting to see, and hopefully educational (it was for me).
    I'm already thinking about the days when we will be having conversations along the lines of 'Do you remember the days when there wasn't  PV on every external surface?'  

    Yes, I certainly envisage a time where EVs will be covered by some form of solar - a semi-transparent solar panoramic 'sun' roof that allows some light through is an obvious starting point, but I'm sure they will come up with some suitable solar body panels or coatings that can help charge your car on the go or when it's sat in the car park all day.
    What amazes me, and visitors to my house, is that even on a dull winter day we can generate enough solar in real time to run the heating, and that's with today's tech.

    My EV has a solar roof, doesn't everyone's? However it is now about 10 months old and has apparently added just over 200 miles from PV.  I suspect panels on garages and car parks like they do in France might be a better bet.
    I remember seeing a review of the early Ioniq 5 with a PV roof and the conclusion being very clear that the  benefits would come nowhere near the extra cost. Which is (I suspect) why they binned the idea quite quickly.  It may be come more viable as costs come down but I can't see it making a massive difference.  May be if every surface of the car was covered..., but then repair costs after accidents ....and then.... and then....     Let's leave it to garages and car parks.
    Install 28th Nov 15, 3.3kW, (11x300LG), SolarEdge, SW. W Yorks.
    Install 2: Sept 19, 600W SSE
    Solax 6.3kWh battery
  • Magnitio
    Magnitio Posts: 1,237 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    NedS said:
    More surprise than news, but I hadn't realised just how far the market for PV fences/enclosures had progressed.

    This company (not a recommendation) has been developing tech for ~10yrs, operating in Germany and Austria, with lots of solutions.

    With the cost of PV panels themselves, now ridiculously cheap, the options keep increasing, from roof tops, to canopies, balcony solar, wall mounted, groundmounts, fencing. Even I wasn't expecting this, so quickly.

    The Next2Sun solar fence


    I've provided the link, mostly because there are so many pics, which I thought was interesting to see, and hopefully educational (it was for me).
    I'm already thinking about the days when we will be having conversations along the lines of 'Do you remember the days when there wasn't  PV on every external surface?'  

    Yes, I certainly envisage a time where EVs will be covered by some form of solar - a semi-transparent solar panoramic 'sun' roof that allows some light through is an obvious starting point, but I'm sure they will come up with some suitable solar body panels or coatings that can help charge your car on the go or when it's sat in the car park all day.
    What amazes me, and visitors to my house, is that even on a dull winter day we can generate enough solar in real time to run the heating, and that's with today's tech.

    This may eventually be in production if they can secure additional funding:
    https://aptera.us/vehicle/
    6.4kWp (16 * 400Wp REC Alpha) facing ESE + 5kW Huawei inverter + 10kWh Huawei battery. Buckinghamshire.
  • QrizB
    QrizB Posts: 19,833 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    With the possible exception of campervans and the like, I think it makes much more sense to put the solar PV on your garage or carport rather than carry the panels around with you.
    N. Hampshire, he/him. Octopus Intelligent Go elec & Tracker gas / Vodafone BB / iD mobile. Ripple Kirk Hill Coop member.
    2.72kWp PV facing SSW installed Jan 2012. 11 x 247w panels, 3.6kw inverter. 34 MWh generated, long-term average 2.6 Os.
    Ofgem cap table, Ofgem cap explainer. Economy 7 cap explainer. Gas vs E7 vs peak elec heating costs, Best kettle!
  • silverwhistle
    silverwhistle Posts: 4,059 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper

    I'm guessing there's already more canopy/roof top then many of use realise. Last week I was looking at a familiar area on Google Maps and discovered there was a huge amount of PV on canopies that I never realised existed.   
    You'd be right! I've mentioned before that a friend hires helicopters (from Bournemouth airport) and takes me for jaunts round the area including towards Southampton Water, IOW and even to Weston-Super-Mare on one occasion (I can recommend the helicopter museum). 

    Plenty of roof top and small solar farms which tend to be well screened, although I'd say there was plenty of opportunity for more. 

  • Exiled_Tyke
    Exiled_Tyke Posts: 1,382 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper

    I'm guessing there's already more canopy/roof top then many of use realise. Last week I was looking at a familiar area on Google Maps and discovered there was a huge amount of PV on canopies that I never realised existed.   
    You'd be right! I've mentioned before that a friend hires helicopters (from Bournemouth airport) and takes me for jaunts round the area including towards Southampton Water, IOW and even to Weston-Super-Mare on one occasion (I can recommend the helicopter museum). 

    Plenty of roof top and small solar farms which tend to be well screened, although I'd say there was plenty of opportunity for more. 

    Now you mention it, I do remember you making this point before.  
    Install 28th Nov 15, 3.3kW, (11x300LG), SolarEdge, SW. W Yorks.
    Install 2: Sept 19, 600W SSE
    Solax 6.3kWh battery
  • silverwhistle
    silverwhistle Posts: 4,059 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Yes, but I added the location this time as it might spur others to comment on their locality...
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