Naked Energy announces VirtuMAX, a new ground-mount solar thermal technology designed to deliver high-performance renewable heat for industrial-scale projects.
Image Credit: Naked Energy Ltd.
Solar thermal is different from conventional solar PV panels in that it generates renewable heat rather than electricity. Naked Energy’s Virtu collectors have the highest energy density across solar thermal and solar PV panels, and can provide up to ten times more carbon savings than traditional PV panels.
VirtuMAX is a ground-mounted evacuated tube solar thermal system with integrated reflectors specifically designed for district heating networks and industrial installations.
VirtuMAX’s tubular design eliminates the need for spacing between units, which is required for traditional solar, as its flat design creates the problem of self-shading. This means that only 40 % of the ground area for traditional solar technologies is used to generate energy, whereas VirtuMAX uses 85 % of the ground area.
Additionally, its low profile delivers improved structural integrity, greater service accessibility and reduced visual impact.
VirtuMAX is the newest addition to Naked Energy's TÜV Rhineland-certified Virtu range, consisting of VirtuHOT, which generates clean heat up to 120 °C, and VirtuPVT, which combines PV and solar thermal to generate heat up to 75 °C as well as electricity.
The launch coincides with Naked Energy’s expansion into Germany, one of Europe’s most heat-intensive economies, along with the hire of Nils Lunkenheimer to lead the company's business development in the DACH region. Renewable energy currently meets just 14 % of heating demand in Germany, highlighting the scale of the opportunity to decarbonize industrial heat.
Naked Energy's technology operates independently of power grids, crucial at a time where Germany's energy suppliers need €68 bn in new equity for grid upgrades to meet 2035 targets.
Christophe Williams, CEO of Naked Energy, said: “Heat remains one of the hardest areas to decarbonize across Europe, particularly for industrial businesses. District heating networks are becoming increasingly popular as well, but it's vital that they don't rely entirely on electrification, as the grid upgrades required will be extortionate for taxpayers.
"VirtuMAX has been developed specifically to address these problems and should mark the end of space-inefficient solar systems. We're also very excited to launch in Germany to help businesses and communities decarbonize without relying on the grid. Expanding into the market is a natural next step in our international growth.”
Nils Lunkenheimer, Head of Business Development DACH, said: "Naked Energy is responding to the steadily growing demand from district heating networks and large industrial customers with the introduction of VirtuMAX. This is another milestone for Naked Energy especially with the increased presence in German-speaking countries, and I am delighted to be part of this exciting journey."