New solar energy invention

[heuristics]

This invention won the People's Choice award on ABC-TV New Inventors program, episode 38 (Oct 19 05)

Maybe of interest to some.

link to program site is http://www.abc.net.au/newinventors/ this site also has links to other environment-focused inventions from this program.

Synopsis of the "sunball" invention as per the ABC website:

The SunBall provides a solar power source for domestic users. It uses less photovoltaic cells (so makes the unit cheaper) without compromising on its electricity production (due to a concentrating lens). Its automatic tracking capability is enabled by the sphere-like design, which, unlike a flat panel, allows it to rotate on an internal 2 axis system to follow the sun’s light, making maximum use of daylight hours.

Basically, the Sunball is an invention which uses existing technology in an innovative design, intended for particular benefits.

The SunBall is basically made up of 4 main parts: the solar concentrator; the microprocessor, the tracking system, and the passive heat control system. Most of the functions (eg. heat controls, mounting structure, bearing surface, environmental seal, wind loading reduction) are encapsulated within the hemisphere shape rather than sitting external to the panels, and so savings are incurred.

Characteristics:
>Can be coloured to match roof colour
>Easily installed by one man on all domestic and commercial roof types.
>No need to be installed on street facing roof (if north facing).
>Lower cost per Wp than flat panels
>Attractive shape
>Higher annual kWh output than flat panels
>Hemispherical shape significantly reduces wind loading versus flat panels.

Domestic Rooftop:
>Each rooftop SunBall weighs approx 20kg per 330Watt output for each 1m squared SunBall.
>Takes 20 solar cells.
>Measures 1m square. Diameter 1.13m
>Height would be 1/2m off the roof
>Bearings of rotating axis are 100mm off roof
>If one solar cell is damaged, can just change one, rather than whole unit.
>If lens is damaged, can just change lens, rather than whole unit.
>Would need 4, to generate approx 50% of electricity usage in a domestic home.

[forest]

This looks like a great invention. Did they talk about price. I note on the ABC website that it's fairly cheap, but did they say an exact figure?

[baldcat]

Here's a little more info..

http://www.hydrogen.asn.au/SolarBall-Solar-Energy.htm

*** http://www.greenandgoldenergy.com.au/ ***

[Tezza]

Is everyone behaving in here



Tezza

[gowatson]

Hi All,

My name is Greg Watson. I'm the inventor and developer of the SunBall. I would be please to answer your SunBall questions.

All the best,
Greg Watson
Green and Gold Energy
Adelaide, South Australia
+61 408 843 089
http://www.greenandgoldenergy.com.au
Online SunBall discussion group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sunball

[forest]

Hi Greg. It's so good of you to introduce yourself to us.

We've just installed solar hot water and we're thinking now of solar panels for other electrical needs. We have two in our family, with frequnt visitors throughout the year, so my guess is we'd need enough power for 3 people. We don't have a lot of gadgets or appliances and we cook with gas.

How many units would I need and what do you think the cost will be? I'm on the Sunshine Coast, what about installation?

I've talked to some American friends about your sunball and sent them some links to info. They're very keen as well. It's due for OS release next September?

Thanks for answering our questions.
Rhonda

[snaggs]

Hi All,

My name is Greg Watson. I'm the inventor and developer of the SunBall. I would be please to answer your SunBall questions.

All the best,
Greg Watson
Green and Gold Energy
Adelaide, South Australia
+61 408 843 089
http://www.greenandgoldenergy.com.au
Online SunBall discussion group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sunball

Greg, we were about to install a the $20k BP on the house were building. How many watts will we get from yours?
Is it available by 12 months time? (were going through council with plans now).
Do you have someone in Perth who can do it?

EDIT: Theres a calculator on his site, this thing is amazing!!

Daniel.

[gowatson]

How many units would I need and what do you think the cost will be? I'm on the Sunshine Coast, what about installation?

** Using the existing rebate scheme 3 - 4 SunBalls gives the lowest $/kWh. Going above 4 units lifts the $/kWh cost as there is only rebates on the first 1kW of SunBalls. On my site there is a easy to use calculator which makes the choice of how many SunBall to use easy to see. It also calculates the available rebates.

I've talked to some American friends about your sunball and sent them some links to info. They're very keen as well. It's due for OS release next September?

** Yes, assuming our US UL qualifications go well.

Thanks for answering our questions.

Hi Rhonda,

Thanks for the interest.

All the best,
Greg Watson
Green and Gold Energy
Adelaide, South Australia
+61 408 843 089
http://www.greenandgoldenergy.com.au
Online SunBall discussion group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sunball

[heuristics]

Hey Greg
Congratulations on your sunball - champion stuff.
And those New Inventors judges are half-wits, but I guess you've seen the posts on the program site. The consensus is your sunball should have won. People's Choice is still pretty good. Tell us when they do the final judging and we'll support you.

Now tell us, did you get a bit of a buzz to come here and find we were all already hyped about your new gizmo?

[Cornonthecob]

Please excuse my ignorance....I'm very interested in using solar both for home and my aquaponic system...what I don't understand is what will 1kW do?? What could I run with that?

Apologies for the vague question.