One of our most exciting research and development (R&D) projects currently is our joint venture with the Australian company Dyesol ? a world leader in dye solar cell (DSC) technology. DSC is an emerging photovoltaic technology that mimics photosynthesis in plants.
The goal of the project is to develop, manufacture and market metal roof and wall cladding products with DSC functionality integrated into the strip steel. This ambitious ?11 million (US$15.73m) project is being supported by the Welsh Assembly Government in line with its objective of creating sustainable, high value-added employment in Wales, based on innovation and the renewable energy sector.
A dedicated R&D facility, including a pilot production line, has been built at our site in Shotton, Wales. Initial coating trials have proved highly promising, and during the next phase of development, due for completion in May 2010, manufactured product will be subjected to rigorous acceptance testing.
DSC-integrated steel roofing has the potential to become the first solar cell technology that is grid-competitive in the normal light levels experienced in most cities around the world, as opposed to full sun conditions needed for other solar technologies. Dye solar cells exhibit operating voltage stability across a range of weather conditions, including cloud and haze.
DSC is also less susceptible than other solar technologies to very hot weather, and it comes in a variety of natural colours that can be pigment-modified to achieve a wide range of optical effects. Combined with the low energy required for manufacture and the relatively inexpensive materials used in construction, DSC has tremendous promise as a reliable and efficient source of renewable energy wherever steel roofing is used.
Other photovoltaic applications come from Kalzip, our specialist aluminium roofing business, which has developed AluPlusSolar, an integrated roofing sheet with a flexible thin film laminate containing a highly efficient solar energy technology known as triple junction amorphous silicon photovoltaic.
On a building in London, for example, a typical 15 kWp Kalzip AluPlusSolar system would yield over 12,000 kWh of electricity per year ? equivalent to an annual CO 2 saving of almost seven tonnes. AluPlusSolar technology currently contributes some 2,000 MWh to Europe?s energy needs.
Our Construction and Engineering Products business in Wales has found a niche in designing a simple Z-frame for solar panels. The frames have now been used in nine solar farm projects in Spain which together generate 13MW of electricity.
Does anyone have any details on how the rigourous acceptance testing is currently going as it has now been almost 9 months since it commenced.
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