Naked Energy Launches VirtuMAX, A Ground-Mount Solar Thermal System Using 85% Land Efficiency And Delivering Up To 10× More Carbon Savings Than PV

Naked Energy has introduced VirtuMAX, a new ground-mounted solar thermal technology designed to deliver high-performance renewable heat for large-scale and industrial applications. Unlike traditional solar PV panels, which produce electricity, solar thermal systems generate heat. Naked Energy’s Virtu technology is known for having the highest energy density among both solar thermal and solar PV solutions, offering up to ten times more carbon savings than conventional PV panels.

VirtuMAX is an evacuated tube solar thermal system with integrated reflectors, engineered specifically for district heating networks and industrial facilities. Its tubular design removes the need for spacing between units, a common requirement in flat solar panel installations to prevent self-shading. Because traditional flat solar systems effectively use only about 40% of the ground area for energy generation, VirtuMAX’s layout allows it to utilize up to 85% of the available space, significantly increasing energy output per square metre.

The system also offers structural advantages, including a low profile that improves durability, simplifies maintenance access, and reduces visual intrusion. VirtuMAX joins Naked Energy’s existing TÜV Rheinland-certified product lineup, which includes VirtuHOT, capable of producing clean heat up to 120°C, and VirtuPVT, a hybrid collector that generates both electricity and heat up to 75°C.

The launch of VirtuMAX aligns with Naked Energy’s expansion into Germany, one of Europe’s most heat-intensive economies. The company has appointed Nils Lunkenheimer as Head of Business Development for the DACH region to support this growth. With renewable energy currently supplying only 14% of Germany’s heating demand, there is substantial potential for technologies that can help industries and communities reduce carbon emissions. The timing is also significant as Germany’s energy suppliers face the need for €68 billion in new equity to upgrade grids by 2035, making grid-independent solutions increasingly valuable.

Commenting on the launch, Christophe Williams, CEO of Naked Energy, said that heat remains one of Europe’s most challenging sectors to decarbonize, especially for industrial users. He noted that although district heating networks are gaining popularity, relying solely on electrification would require costly grid upgrades. Williams said that VirtuMAX was designed to solve these challenges by offering a space-efficient and independent renewable heat solution, adding that expanding into Germany is a natural step in the company’s global growth strategy.

Nils Lunkenheimer added that VirtuMAX meets the rising demand from district heating providers and large industrial customers. He described the launch as an important milestone for Naked Energy, especially as the company strengthens its presence across German-speaking markets, and said he is excited to contribute to the company’s progress.