Precast Concrete Components for the Energy Transition – Part II: Solar energy

Figure: TU Kaiserslautern

Prototype of high-performance concrete at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, front view …

Figure: TU Kaiserslautern

… and rear view

Figure: TU Kaiserslautern

Figure: Heliatek/Reckli

The plastic film with the solar cells from manufacturer Heliatek is thin, light and flexible

Figure: Heliatek/Reckli

The BIOPV solution from Reckli and Heliatek comes in different colors, for example in blue …

Figure: Heliatek/Reckli

… green …

Figure: Heliatek/Reckli

… or gray

Figure: Heliatek/Reckli

Figure: SolaRoad

A SolaRoad module consists of a supporting concrete component, silicon cells and a layer of safety glass

Figure: SolaRoad

Laying the first SolaRoad modules in North Holland

Figure: SolaRoad

After initial testing, the manufacturers expect an electricity yield in the amount of 70 kWh/m^²

Figure: SolaRoad

Figure: F.C. Nüdling

What the concrete component support modules for solar panels of F.C. Nüdling look like. Originally designed for two panels, the improved modules now have up to three panels

Figure: F.C. Nüdling

The support modules are set up on the level surface, it is not necessary to provide a foundation

Figure: F.C. Nüdling

Solar park with concrete component modules of F.C. Nüdling

Figure: F.C. Nüdling

By the year 2015 up to 45 % of the gross power consumption in Germany should be covered by renewable resources, for example by solar energy. Part 2 of our series shows how facades, road surfaces and UHPC parabolic troughs utilize solar energy.

In Germany, the key phrase “solar energy” conjures up images of solar cells or photovoltaic panels, made up of silicon solar cells. The bluish-silver glossy energy generators are ordinarily found on roofs or in the open countryside.

There is also a second type of system in use for providing solar energy, the solar collector. Solar collectors collect the energy contained in the sunlight and use it for heating or cooling. For example, in accordance with the principle of thermal lift the solar collector, with the help of the transfer medium, heats hot water.

As a rule, both photovoltaic panels and...