Spanish Technology-based company develops a photovoltaic module that adpats to all surfaces The main activity of Solmeraya S.A, an Almeria technology-based company, is the design and manufacture of products and technologies in the field of the photovoltaic solar energy industry. As an innovative aspect, this company has developed a photovoltaic module with a flexible structure whose peculiarity is its capability to adapt to any surface, even a curved one. The main activity of Solmeraya S.A an Almeria technology-based company, is the design and manufacture of products and technologies in the field of the photovoltaic solar energy industry. As an innovative aspect, this company has developed a photovoltaic module with a flexible structure whose peculiarity is its capability to adapt to any surface, even a curved one. Thanks to its low weight, 90% lighter than rigid crystalline photovoltaic modules, they can be installed on any type of roofs without having to add a support structure. As they are flexible, they adapt to any surface thus making the most of any space available and maximising the production of energy. It is true that compared to traditional fixed photovoltaic panels, these flexible modules have a slightly lower electrical performance per m2. However, Enrique Myro, promoter of this Almeria technology-based company, assures that ‘these systems have many advantages, one of them being their higher resistance to temperature and dirt, as well as their low production and commercialisation cost. Moreover, Solmeyara photovoltaic panels increase their efficiency in climates with a higher number of sunshine hours, such as Andalusia”. Use in irrigation pools and greenhouse surfaces This novel product adapts to the specific needs of the farming sector, like for example, the photovoltaic coatings of greenhouses and irrigation pools. According to Enrique Myro, ‘their use as a coating of such pools has a double advantage: on the one hand, this material prevents the water from evaporating as well as the proliferation of algae inside the irrigation pool. On the other hand, electric energy is produced thanks to the existence of a surface that is there for a purpose but where no activity as such is carried out’. This way the use of the surface is the maximum thus being highly profitable. The same can be applied to the surface of greenhouses. If only 10% of their surface is covered the farming production is not affected; moreover they are an additional constant source of income for farmers due to the generation of photovoltaic energy. This way use will be made of such energy in places where nothing was being used. The role of researchers of the University of Almería is to provide advanced technology regarding the design of supports for photovoltaic sheets. Solmeraya was set up in March 2008 thanks to the support of business people with vast experience in the renewable energies sector and pf researchers of the University of Almería, from the Department of Rural Engineering, whose registered address in this Andalusian city. Enrique Myro and José Antonio Navarro –industrial engineers–, together with Cooperativa Agrícola Alimer (Murcia) coop, are their main promoters. Countries Spain
