Is stainless steel the future of solar energy?

The challenge lies in capturing its radiation and transforming, transporting and storing the energy. As in many areas of energy transformation and use, stainless steel plays a key role in solar technology – and has the potential to grow further.

Can stainless steel be used for solar panels?

in. s o l a r. e n e r g y. u s e. There are many approaches to producing electricity and domestic hot water from solar energy. Whatever the technology, stainless steel has a role to play. It can be used as part of a substrate of amorphous cells or as a collector material in solar thermal panels.

How long does a stainless steel roof last?

Typically, the useful life of a stainless steel roof is only restricted by the service-life of the building as a whole. Stainless steel is certainly a good investment both in durability and aesthetics on any type of building including private homes (Figure 37).

How durable is a stainless steel roof?

General corrosion is virtually absent in stainless steel. As a result there are no obvious limits to the durability of the roof. Typically, the useful life of a stainless steel roof is only restricted by the service-life of the building as a whole.

What are the advantages of stainless steel?

For the outer tank, stainless steel ensures durability and long-term visual attractiveness. For the inner tank, stainless steel provides its well-known hygiene advantages – a relevant issue in systems that send the water directly into the domestic plumbing system. 5

Can stainless steel roofs match photovoltaic panels?

Ideally, solar panels should be considered as part of the architectural expression and a means of providing a visual structure to roofs and facades. In an effort to bring the best technologies together, stainless steel roofing solutions have been developed which precisely match photovoltaic panels (Figure 35).