Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As well as providing a source of alternative energy, roof-mounted solar panels could also have the extra benefit of cooling the house or workplace on which they are fitted says a new report.
The findings come as part of a study conducted by Jan Kleissal and his team at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering in America due to be printed in an upcoming issue of the journal Solar Energy.
The study, the first peer-reviewed one of its kind, used thermal imaging to monitor the temperature of buildings. The researchers found that during daylight hours the ceiling of a building with solar panels was five degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 degrees Celsius) cooler than the ceiling of an equivalent building without solar panels.
The team found that the cooling effect of the solar panels impacted the building's total energy costs and amounted to a 38 percent reduction in " annual cooling load" - the rate at which heat is removed from a conditioned space and the amount required to maintain a constant temperature.
The research team also found that the solar panels had insulating benefits - enabling the building to retain heat during the nighttime.
A summary of the article is available to read on ScienceDirect and can be purchased in full from the same site.
The latest innovations in solar technology were recently exhibited at the 20th Intersolar event, June 8-11, and at the Greenbuild Expo, June 29-30 in the UK. One of the major themes at both events was solar thermal technology or solar heating systems.
Later in the year, solar technology will also be exhibited at Solar Power International in the United States, October 17-20. In addition to showcasing the latest solar technologies, the event, which is expected to attract over 24,000 visitors, will host a series of seminars and workshops.
Solar Power International: https://www.solarpowerinternational.com
Report - Effects of solar photovoltaic panels on heat roof transfer: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0038092X11002131
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments