GHG Reduction and Economics of Scaleable Concentrating Solar Co-Generation Systems

The Canadian Federal Government represented by NRCan and TEAM are midway through a three-year program implemented by Menova Energy Inc. of Ottawa, where 850 concentrating solar co-generation modules are being integrated into a wide cross section of buildings ranging from single-family homes to schools and multi-resident condominiums. These Power-Spar^TM systems are capable of economically displacing up to 70% of the thermal requirements for most Canadian building envelopes. The Power-Spar also uses high efficiency photovoltaic cells positioned inside the system\´s concentrated light zone to co- produce electricity as well as heat at a fraction of the cost per watt when compared to conventional one sun photovoltaic modules. This paper will present solar thermal and photovoltaic options available to consumers and preliminary results of the "in-field" performance of the Power-Spar systems in terms of return on investment and GHG reduction.