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Wow, I was just talking to my dad about this. He runs a startup that builds PV-embedded vertical masonry[1], and they have been getting significantly higher-tha

by aqme28 3y ago

Wow, I was just talking to my dad about this. He runs a startup that builds PV-embedded vertical masonry[1], and they have been getting significantly higher-than-expected yield on their installations. Though in their case they were mostly theorizing ground reflections [1]: (https://www.solablock.com/ https://www.solablock.com/, looking for investors!)

wongarsu 3y ago
That's a cool project. One advantage solar masonry might have is the high thermal mass of masonry. The bricks average out day and night temperatures, and probably keep the panels a lot colder than they would be on their own.
- jacquesm 3y ago
  And as an extra bonus they slow the heat exchange with the outside air so it works as insulation both in summer and in winter.
- Workaccount2 3y ago
  If anything I would think that the poor thermal conductance of the masonry would make this inferior to simply mounting panels over the exterior with an air gap.
  - deleted 3y ago
    [deleted]
  - aqme28 3y ago
    Doesnt an air gap have an even lower thermal conductivity? Conductive heat transfer is usually much higher than convective.
- aqme28 3y ago
  Exactly. A better thermal profile, vandal/theft resistant, and lower all-in installation costs.
tonyarkles 3y ago
I have so many questions! While digging into the Applications section these look like conventionally-sized CMUs, the image on the front page looks like panels/blocks that are large enough to require a crane to lift? If that's the case, how fragile are they? CMUs and other pre-cast concrete "lego blocks" have intrigued me for a long time. These look like they've got more robust interlocking features than conventional cinderblocks too? The idea of being able to order (even without the solar) say 8'x4' pre-cast "CMU-style" walls, have them show up on a flat deck, stuff rebar and mortar into ready-made holes, and grout between the blocks seems like it could dramatically speed up a lot of exterior construction. Being able to get them ready to wire for solar is delicious icing on the cake!
- aqme28 3y ago
  They don't need a crane. Maybe a confusing rendering for a future idea. They make tiles and cinderblocks, and yes, they have some interlocking features. And yes, the idea is that installation will be way easier and cheaper than first building a regular wall and then attaching vertical solar to that after the fact.
taneq 3y ago
Are the PV panels mounted directly on the masonry? ...oh wait clicks link yeah maybe the masonry is acting as a heatsink for the panels as well?
- aqme28 3y ago
  They're embedded in the masonry. When you buy a CMU, you get one unit. Yes, this has better thermal properties, and this also makes them more durable and theft/vandal resistant.
neon_electro 3y ago
Please ask your dad or whoever does the work on that website to update the home page so that the content does not do the reverse of its "intro animation" just because you scrolled back in the direction of the top of the page. I was more distracted by that behavior and totally failed to get any value out of visiting your site.

by aqme28 3y ago

wongarsu 3y ago

That's a cool project. One advantage solar masonry might have is the high thermal mass of masonry. The bricks average out day and night temperatures, and probably keep the panels a lot colder than they would be on their own.

jacquesm 3y ago
And as an extra bonus they slow the heat exchange with the outside air so it works as insulation both in summer and in winter.
Workaccount2 3y ago
If anything I would think that the poor thermal conductance of the masonry would make this inferior to simply mounting panels over the exterior with an air gap.
- deleted 3y ago
  [deleted]
- aqme28 3y ago
  Doesnt an air gap have an even lower thermal conductivity? Conductive heat transfer is usually much higher than convective.
aqme28 3y ago
Exactly. A better thermal profile, vandal/theft resistant, and lower all-in installation costs.

tonyarkles 3y ago

I have so many questions! While digging into the Applications section these look like conventionally-sized CMUs, the image on the front page looks like panels/blocks that are large enough to require a crane to lift? If that's the case, how fragile are they? CMUs and other pre-cast concrete "lego blocks" have intrigued me for a long time. These look like they've got more robust interlocking features than conventional cinderblocks too? The idea of being able to order (even without the solar) say 8'x4' pre-cast "CMU-style" walls, have them show up on a flat deck, stuff rebar and mortar into ready-made holes, and grout between the blocks seems like it could dramatically speed up a lot of exterior construction. Being able to get them ready to wire for solar is delicious icing on the cake!

aqme28 3y ago
They don't need a crane. Maybe a confusing rendering for a future idea. They make tiles and cinderblocks, and yes, they have some interlocking features. And yes, the idea is that installation will be way easier and cheaper than first building a regular wall and then attaching vertical solar to that after the fact.

taneq 3y ago

Are the PV panels mounted directly on the masonry? ...oh wait clicks link yeah maybe the masonry is acting as a heatsink for the panels as well?

aqme28 3y ago
They're embedded in the masonry. When you buy a CMU, you get one unit. Yes, this has better thermal properties, and this also makes them more durable and theft/vandal resistant.

neon_electro 3y ago

Please ask your dad or whoever does the work on that website to update the home page so that the content does not do the reverse of its "intro animation" just because you scrolled back in the direction of the top of the page. I was more distracted by that behavior and totally failed to get any value out of visiting your site.