Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and US-based solar panel manufacturer Chromasun have begun a pilot project for roof top solar air-conditioning in Abu Dhabi
TAQA installed 27 Chromasun Micro-Concentrator (MCT) solar panels on the rooftop of Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company (TRANSCO) this year.
The concentrated solar panels will provide clean renewable solar energy to the building's air-conditioning system during peak demand hours.
The Chromasun MCT technology is designed specifically for roof top application and operation in high temperatures and dusty conditions, producing more energy per unit of roof area than many other technologies.
Dr Saif Al Sayari, executive officer and head of the energy solutions division at TAQA, commented, "We are delighted to see the Chromasun MCT technology being tested in the UAE. In addition to significant energy savings, roof top solar cooling technology has great potential for peak-shaving which will result in reduced emissions and better grid efficiency."
David Copestake, managing director of TRANSCO said, "We continuously seek ways to use advanced technology to achieve better efficiency in Abu Dhabi's power generation networks so we are honoured to be participating in such an initiative.?
TAQA is an investor in Chromasun and currently holds an eight per cent stake as part of its efforts to develop post-pilot phase alternative energy technologies with breakthrough potential.
TAQA and Chromasun will test the technology during the next 16 months with the aim of proving its commercial viability.
