The Spanish firm Capsolar CST has developed an innovative Nocturnal Thermodynamic Panel: a highly efficient solution that satisfies 100% of the hot water and heating needs of building, even in the absence of sunlight.

The nocturnal panels work thanks to the circulation of freon gas, similar to the fluids used in refrigeration or air conditioning systems, at a temperature of between -15 ºC and -20 ºC. Its function is to transport the heat captured in the panels to the inside of the dwelling, through phase transition and changes in pressure and temperature. The “thermodynamic block” contains the materials which make movement of the freon through the panels possible, at the correct temperature, pressure and volume levels. Inside the refrigeration gas is compressed, reaching high temperatures that later will be passed to the household heating system, hot water or heated pool.

According to figures from Capsolar, the energy savings from these panels compared to fossil fuels range between 60% and 80%, making it much more economical. The panels do not need an external energy source, are more efficient than solar panels as they make heat 24 hours a day and for 365 days per year, with or without sunlight, and produce 100% of the hot water and heat needed for a building.

The nocturnal thermodynamic panel from Capsolar has been evaluated by the IETCC (Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Science in Valencia), part of the CSIC (Spanish National Research Council), and has both received the DIT (Document of Technical Suitability) and been found to satisfy the CTE (Technical Building Code) for installation in any type of edification.

More than one hundred homes already have “lunar” panels, and the plans being developed and budgeted by Erko Energy–which markets the product–call for thousands more across Spain.