After several years of research and development, the Belgian start-up Solhyd is poised to revolutionize the renewable energy industry with its new hydrogen-producing solar panels. This technology is set to change the way hydrogen is generated and utilized, particularly in a context where sustainability and the reduction of carbon emissions are top priorities.
Solhyd: Hydrogen Solar Panels
Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. Made up of a single electron and a single proton, it has been utilized for decades in industries such as agri-food, metallurgy, and chemicals. Nonetheless, hydrogen production has mostly relied on fossil fuels, comprising 95% of total production according to Futura data. To reverse this trend, Solhyd has created an innovative solar panel that produces green hydrogen using only solar energy.
The Solhyd panels are one-of-a-kind as they generate hydrogen gas at low pressure (between 300 and 500 millibars) by utilizing solar energy. Unlike traditional photovoltaic panels that produce electricity, these panels are connected via gas tubes. Each panel can generate approximately 250 liters of hydrogen daily, with an efficiency rate of 15%. This green hydrogen can be used directly, transported through pipelines, or stored locally at high pressure after compression.
According to Jan Rongé, CEO of Solhyd, a roof equipped with 20 Solhyd panels could generate between 120 and 240 kilograms of hydrogen annually, which is equivalent to 4 to 8 megawatt hours (MWh) of hydrogen energy.
Testing and Adaptability
Before commencing full-scale production, Solhyd has conducted several tests in various climates across the globe, including regions in Africa, yielding very promising results. In northwestern Europe, one panel can produce around 6 kilograms of hydrogen each year, while in sunnier areas, this number can reach 12 kilograms annually. Additionally, Solhyd is dedicated to ongoing risk assessment and implementing internal quality control measures to accelerate and facilitate the production process. Recently, the startup produced a batch of 10 panels for testing in Belgium.
Scaling Up Production
Solhyd has ambitious plans to scale up production of its hydrogen-powered solar panels to the megawatt level by 2026. The company is working to establish a network of partners, suppliers, and system integrators to achieve this objective. With €6 million in funding from a consortium of Flemish investors, Solhyd aims to provide a plug-and-play solution for industries such as steel and chemicals, as well as for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking green hydrogen at competitive prices.
Compatibility and Future
Solhyd panels operate at very low pressure and are compatible with most commercially available photovoltaic modules. The company is currently concentrating on mono PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) panels, but plans to develop tandem (perovskite/silicon) solar panels in the future.
Solhyd is strategically positioned to play a significant role in the transition to a green hydrogen economy. With its innovative technology for hydrogen solar panels, the startup not only aims to lessen reliance on fossil fuels but also to provide a clean and sustainable energy source that can be adopted globally.
Solhyd’s vision of integrating large-scale green hydrogen production into the energy sector represents a promising sign for the future of renewable energy, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable, carbon-free planet.
More information: solhyd.eu
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Solhyd: Hydrogen Solar Panels
Hydrogen, recognized as the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, has been utilized for decades across various industries such as agri-food, metallurgy, and chemicals. Historically, the production of hydrogen has predominantly relied on fossil fuels, which account for around 95% of global hydrogen production. Solhyd, a Belgian start-up, aims to disrupt this traditional paradigm with its innovative hydrogen-producing solar panels, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy generation.
Unique in their design, Solhyd panels harness the direct energy from sunlight to produce green hydrogen at low operational pressures (between 300 and 500 millibars). Rather than generating electricity like conventional photovoltaic panels, these advanced systems utilize gas tubes for hydrogen gas transport. Each Solhyd panel has the capacity to yield approximately 250 liters of hydrogen daily, boasting an efficiency rate of 15%. This hydrogen can be utilized directly, stored, or transported through pipelines.
According to Solhyd’s CEO, Jan Rongé, a typical roof installation utilizing 20 Solhyd panels could generate between 120 and 240 kilograms of hydrogen annually, with a corresponding energy output of 4 to 8 megawatt-hours (MWh).
Testing and Adaptability
Prior to commercial production, Solhyd has executed extensive testing in diverse climatic conditions globally, including regions in Africa, yielding overwhelmingly positive results. In northwestern Europe, one panel can produce approximately 6 kilograms of hydrogen per year, while sunnier locales can see production rise to 12 kilograms. Solhyd is committed to continuous assessments of potential risks and maintains rigorous quality control measures to facilitate the manufacturing process. Recently, the company rolled out a batch of 10 panels for validation tests in Belgium.
Scaling Up Production
Solhyd is setting ambitious goals to enhance the production of its hydrogen solar panels to megawatt levels by 2026. The establishment of a robust network comprising partners, suppliers, and system integrators is pivotal to achieving these objectives. Backed by €6 million in funding from a consortium of Flemish investors, Solhyd aims to deliver a plug-and-play solution for various sectors, including steel manufacturing and chemical processing, while also catering to small and medium enterprises seeking access to affordable green hydrogen.
Compatibility and Future Prospects
Operating at very low pressure, Solhyd panels are compatible with a broad range of commercially available photovoltaic modules. The current focus is on mono PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) solar technology, with plans to explore tandem solar panel configurations (perovskite/silicon) moving forward.
Solhyd stands at the forefront of the impending transition to a green hydrogen economy. Its pioneering technology not only strives to diminish dependency on fossil fuels but also endeavors to provide a clean and sustainable energy source suitable for global adoption.
By integrating large-scale green hydrogen production into the energy sector, Solhyd represents a promising front in the pursuit of renewable energy solutions, signifying a critical milestone towards an environmentally sustainable and carbon-free future.
Benefits of Solhyd Panels
- Environmental Sustainability: Generates green hydrogen without fossil fuel reliance.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces hydrogen production costs, especially for industrial applications.
- High-Volume Production: Capable of producing considerable amounts of hydrogen daily.
- Versatile Applications: Usable in various sectors, including energy, transportation, and manufacturing.
Case Studies of Solhyd Implementation
| Location | Hydrogen Production (kg/year) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Europe | 6 | Local Energy Consumption |
| Sunny Regions | 12 | Industrial Process Fuel |
| Africa | 10 | Renewable Energy Project |
Further insights: Explore more about Solhyd’s technology advancements and project implementations at solhyd.eu.
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