SunTube – a pilot project

The purpose of this project is in part to construct a 5 kW pilot plant with a new type of ultra cost-effective solar modules (SunTubes) and in part to mature the SunTube technology from prototype to demonstration stage. The SunTube technology will revolutionize the way solar power plants are constructed. The core of the SunTube technology is a unique encapsulation and deployment system for solar cells, which facilitates mechanized deployment of solar modules in solar power plants. SunTube is not an incremental improvement of existing technology but a fundamentally new design of solar modules with unique advantages. A SunTube does not need mounting structures and is deployed by a machine. This makes the construction of solar power plants both faster and cheaper compared to conventional solar modules. SunTubes, therefore, have a significant competitive advantage due to the lower cost per kilowatt hour. The SunTube technology has the potential to make solar electricity directly competitive to fossil-based electricity. The SunTube technology differs in key aspects from conventional modules. Therefore, it is essential to demonstrate the technology under real-world conditions and in direct comparison with conventional modules in order to introduce the technology on the market.