Solar energy system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a solar array cell (15) able to be used both thermally and photovoltaically, together with an array (3) formed from a plurality of the cells (15). A solar energy system for a building which incorporates the array (3) is also disclosed. Each cell (15) is formed from an air duct (16) of parallelogram cross-sectional shape which makes for easy sealing between ducts and a reliable water shedding arrangement for the cells of the array. An air / liquid heat exchanger (35) for a solar hot water supply is also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a solar energy system and, in particular, to a solar energy system for use in buildings which enables hot air to be generated for space heating, with the optional addition of either heat to be generated for hot water heating, and / or electricity to be generated from photovoltaic cells, or both. BACKGROUND ART [0002] It has long been known to provide solar collectors on the roofs of buildings for the purpose of heating hot water and such collectors are well known, and generally unsightly, additions to the roofs of many buildings. This is particularly the case in Australia where solar radiation levels are relatively high. Similarly, it is also well known to provide photovoltaic cells for the generation of electricity from solar radiation and such cells are in widespread use, particularly in rural and outback Australia in locations remote from power generation stations. In particular, in recent years such installations have ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

It has long been known to provide solar collectors on the roofs of buildings for the purpose of heating hot water and such collectors are well known, and generally unsightly, additions to the roofs of many buildings.

Although such space heating systems are known, for various reasons they have not found widespread commercial acceptance and are therefore comparatively rare.

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