Next-Generation Solar Panel System Powers Michigan's First Solar Brewery

DETROIT, MI, August 31, 2012 (Press-News.org) Power Panel, Inc., a Detroit-based solar panel manufacturer, today commissioned its largest next-generation solar panel system to date on Michigan's first solar brewery. Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti, Michigan, installed Power Panel's unique solar panel system, which will provide both electricity and heat energy used in the beer making process. The 140 solar panels installed for the project will produce a combined 16.1 kW of electricity, and 89.6 kW of equivalent thermal energy. Power Panel's President, Garth Schultz, and other members of the Power Panel team attended a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Corner Brewery to celebrate the commissioning. "This project represents a great example of the use of both electricity and thermal energy from a renewable source in a commercial application," stated Schultz. According to Matt Greff, owner of Corner Brewery, the project was worth every bit of effort that went into it. Greff detailed, "it feels really good to know that we were able to make changes that are as good for the environment as they are for the bottom line."

Power Panel's solar panel represents a technological breakthrough in its ability to efficiently capture both electricity and heat from the sun. Power Panel systems are designed to circulate water though the panel in a non-pressurized, drain-back system. This process collects thermal energy from the panel while actively cooling the photovoltaic (PV) cells - increasing electrical output. As a result, Power Panel systems are able to collect four times the amount of energy as compared to traditional PV panels. Thermal energy is stored in Power Panel's patented modular thermal storage tank.

Power Panel systems are designed using proven technologies and materials, and are easily scaled to meet the requirements of any size facility. The design and construction of the solar panels create a rugged lightweight panel resistant to corrosion, while maintaining the aesthetic appeal and long-term durability over the life of the system. Power Panel's ease of building integration, high energy density and exceptional LEED values make Power Panel the future of Combined Heat & Power solar technology for distributed energy systems.

Power Panel is a revolutionary solar system that breaks the mold of traditional solar panels. Power Panel is made of recyclable materials and maximizes the capture of the sun's energy (80%+ vs. 5%-18% from traditional PV panels alone). Power Panel addresses the built environments true energy needs. While most solar panels generate only electricity or thermal energy, a typical household's total energy usage is 70% or more thermal energy (heat) and less than 30% electricity. Power Panel captures heat while producing electricity to solve your total energy needs!