Solar panels for hydrogen production have been introduced to the market

Soon, solar panels for roofs that capture sunlight and water from the air will become a reality. Like the photovoltaic panels, the hydrogen panels will be connected, but by gas mains rather than electric cables.

KU Leuven researchers are developing solar panels to produce hydrogen

This new solution will soon be introduced to the market through a partner company.

For more than a decade, researchers have worked to develop and improve this technology, and the final prototype has been incorporated into an attractive design by Comet Engineering and Design🇧🇷

How do solar panels work to produce hydrogen?

A hydrogen producing solar panel converts water vapor in the air into hydrogen with the help of sunlight. The researchers ensure that they can produce about 250 liters of hydrogen per day, Generating efficiency of 15%.

This venture, Soulhead, has entered the transition from research to investment by a partner company.

In simpler words… Hydrogen panelsSolar panels that separate water molecules and generate hydrogen gas with the help of solar energy. Very arid places on Earth are not good locations for this technique due to the dry environment.

These new panels are identical to traditional solar panels, but instead of being connected by an electric cable, they are connected by gas piping.

The top layer of the slab produces the electricity, and underneath the system of tubes, the hydrogen produced from the extraction of water molecules in the air, through a membrane.

Hydrogen monolithic solar panels

According to researcher Jean Rungi, from KU Leuven, Solhyd’s hydrogen solar panels are compatible with most modern PV modules and can be connected directly to the system. Thus, we can take advantage of technological advancements and cost reductions in the photovoltaic industry. To enhance this synergy, Solhydrogen solar panels are compatible with most existing mounting structures.”🇧🇷

Hydrogen solar panels are small, modular and ideal for decentralized production. It is estimated that 20 of these panels could provide electricity and heat to a well-insulated heat pump home all winter long.

When installed with a solar thermal collector and conventional solar panels, the Hydrogen solar panels They can help heat homes and save electricity year-round.

these Solar panels do not store hydrogen, and work at low pressures, so they have great advantages in safety and cost. The hydrogen produced is collected from the plate and then compressed if necessary (allowing it to be stored indefinitely). Of course, some applications do not require gas pressure, or other forms of storage will be used.

Hydrogen applications produced by solar panels

The hydrogen produced by Solhyd solar panels can be used in various applications such as mobility. or for medium applications such as backup power and heavy hauling.

Later on, as technology develops, one can think of any kind of application, such as large scale ammonium production or even small off-grid systems.

The costs will be similar to those for the PV market, as no precious metals are used in the production of these panels, which makes it possible to maintain a reasonable price.

Since 2011, several prototypes of these panels have been tested, so the researchers are confident in launching industrial production of these hydrogen solar panels.

In September, Soulhead began the industrial development of the project, moving from the university building to a 350 square meter estate near Leuven, with the help of the Flemish municipality.

Initially, a few dozen panels will be produced to be applied in small-scale pilot projects. But by 2026 the team hopes to be in production More than 5,000 hydrogen solar panels annually, at a price similar to the price of photovoltaic panels currently on the market.

Photo of hydrogen production solar panels by Solhyd