Naked Energy to Establish Manufacturing Facility for Combined Solar PV and Thermal Units in Texas

Naked Energy, a prominent player in renewable energy technology, has unveiled plans to inaugurate a manufacturing plant in Dallas, Texas, to produce its innovative combined solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal units. The facility, set to be overseen by ELM Solar, a subsidiary of ELM Companies, marks a significant investment aimed at meeting the rising demand for sustainable energy solutions in North America.

ELM Companies has committed $3 million to the establishment of the new manufacturing facility, which is projected to serve as the production hub for all Naked Energy products destined for the North American market by 2025. Collaboratively, the partners envision manufacturing 150,000 “Virtu tubes” by 2028. ELM Solar, currently serving as Naked Solar’s distribution partner in North America, will play a pivotal role in the operational aspects of the facility.

Naked Energy’s product portfolio includes the VirtuHot and the VirtuPVT units, designed to harness both solar thermal energy and electricity generation. The VirtuHot unit, capable of heating water up to 120°C (248°F), utilizes thermally isolated tubes to ensure efficient water heating, even in sub-zero temperatures.

In a recent deployment at Creighton University in Nebraska, Naked Energy installed 69.9 kW of VirtuHot HD units, providing hot water for a dormitory accommodating approximately 400 students.

Meanwhile, the VirtuPVT unit generates electricity and heat up to 75°C (167°F), integrating a heat absorber plate, conventional silicon solar cells, and an integrated reflector to maximize sunlight capture.

The hardware, sold in five tube subunits, features standard-sized 6-inch monoPERC solar cells, with each tube capable of generating 74 watts of power. This results in a cumulative output of 370 watts across an area of 3.2 square meters.

Notably, the vertically mounted electricity-generating units exhibit higher electricity production during spring and fall, owing to the sun’s positioning, as demonstrated by installations in the United Kingdom.

In comparison to conventional residential solar panels dedicated solely to electricity generation, which typically provide around 400 watts within a 2 square meter area, Naked Energy’s innovative units offer enhanced efficiency and versatility.