Office and corporate buildings could soon be covered with solar panels, instead of the traditional glass and metal surfaces. Malibu, a joint venture of Schuco International KG and German energy giant E.ON, has started work on a $135 million production facility for manufacturing large-scale photovoltaic modules based on state-of-the-art thin film technology. According to the company, the project promises to be “highly significant” for the future of environmentally friendly solar power.
Starting in fall 2008, the plant is to begin producing photovoltaic modules measuring 5.7 square meters (over 61 square feet), in formats of up to 2.20 x 2.60 square meters, with an output of up to 460 watts. The annual output of these systems amounts to 40 megawatts. The centerpiece of the plant is a machine made by Applied Materials, an American manufacturer of products based on this technology.
The modules are the largest ever built, making photovoltaic technology a viable alternative in commercial constructions. “Generated without negative impact on the environment, electricity produced in this way for cooling, ventilation, shade, and heating is also extremely economical. Furthermore, the new modules can be integrated into the glass elements of the facade, thus opening up entirely new possibilities for architects,’ the company said in a statement.
Really like the site and blog – we are running a small hydro project in New Mills in the UK – check out our blog, we are at the excavation stage at the moment.
Sean
http://torrs-hydro-new-mills.blogspot.com/