Release Date: April 24, 2008

DIY Solar Thermal Power Plant

Residential 1-3kW Phoenix Solar Turbogenerator saves on energy bills

Munising, MI - PNGinc is developing a do-it-yourself solar thermal power plant that will save homeowners a significant amount of cash on their energy bills. Development efforts are concentrated on making the systems easy to install and maintain by DIY'ers and HVAC contractors in the sunbelt.

The Phoenix Solar Turbogenerator system provides combined power & hot water. Based on the company's proprietary organic rankine cycle (ORC) turbines, the solar thermal power system is somewhat similar to a central air conditioning installation.

Combining solar power and heating makes sense in today's price sensitive economy. Residential households account for about 38% of total energy consumption in the U.S. To fulfill demand for electricity alone, the country generates approximately 3,300 billion kWh per year - predominantly through burning of fossil fuels. 

Solar water heating typically cuts the average family's hot water bills by 20-40%. (In the southwest, up to 90%.) The addition of "free" electricity provided by PNGinc's closed-loop turbogenerator means additional savings, as well as security during power outages.

The 1-3kW solar co-generator solar appliance is expected to be sold in home improvement chains with a price tag similar to air conditioning units.

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