Kingspan Renewables:A new solar power system offering greater efficiency, flexibility and lower costs is an international success
PORTADOWN-BASED Kingspan Renewables was already a leader in the green-tech sector when it embarked on the development of its Varisol modular vacuum tube solar energy collector system three years ago.
The new system incorporates the company’s proven Thermomax vacuum tube collectors, but offers greater flexibility in installation. Unlike traditional vacuum tube collectors and solar flat-plate panels, which came in standard sizes, it allows the tubes to simply “click-fit” together to create solar thermal collectors of varying sizes. This means the collectors can be sized to the exact needs of the customer within the space available. It is also easy to transport, with no heavy lifting equipment needed.
The global solar thermal market has been dominated by two options: vacuum tube collectors and flat-plate panels. While collectors are considered the premium product on the market, flat panels are more popular. Low-cost collectors and panels are widely available but are less effective.
Kingspan Renewables’ Thermomax product is recognised as one of the most efficient on the market, and is 30 per cent more effective than a flat-plate collector.
Thermomax was Kingspan Renewables’ flagship product. Varisol was developed as a low-cost alternative, but sales have seen Varisol becoming the lead product for new business.Since its launch last April, Varisol has been recognised for its innovative qualities by a number of industry bodies. The product is now being marketed globally and has been the driving force behind the company’s expansion into China.