Combined heat and power solar concentrator system

Aims: To develop a Combined Heat and Power Solar (CHPS) system for the production of hot water, that also produces electricity as a by-product by means of photovoltaic conversion. The CHPS system will deliver hot water at a cost of around 4 to 7 c/kWh and DC electricity for around 7 c/kWh. Significance: A perfect synergy exists between the project partners: Solahart is a major solar water heater manufacturer, the ANU is a strong solar research group, and ACTEW is a major player in the Australian retail energy market. Outcomes: The system will be mounted on roof tops of houses and commercial buildings. The remarkably low electricity cost is because the electrical output of such an electric/thermal system comes at a cost of only a few solar cells - the thermal output pays for all of the other components of the system.