For Immediate Release

---

Solar Air Heating Potential in North America

A recent report entitled “Potential of Solar thermal in Europe” co-authored by the AEE- Institute for Sustainable Technologies and the Vienna University of Technology highlights where and how solar thermal technology has developed in the EU and also offers some guidance on its future potential.  The lessons learned and direction shown in this report for the EU provides an insight into the potential and for solar thermal (solar air heating) in North America as well.

Here are some key findings:

Heating accounts for 49% of the overall final energy load in the EU (Note: This figure reaches over 52% in North America, with about 30% of this energy load needed for fresh air heating and ventilation.)

The Solar Thermal market worldwide-
Total installed capacity is 127.8 GWth or 182.5 million m2
            Of which-

• 102.1 GWth is flat plate or evac tube
• 24.5 is unglazed plastic collectors
• and just 1.2 GWth for solar air collectors

As to potential usable roof or façade area available for Solar Thermal systems-
            According to a report entitled “Potential for Building Integrated PV” produced by the IEA PV Power Systems Programm cited in the study, 60% of roof area and 20% of façade area are architecturally suitable for solar systems.
                        This area takes the following into consideration-

• Only southeast to southwest orientation
• Construction limitations (structural issues)
• Shading
• Use of area for other considerations

It should be noted that the remaining area is assumed to then be split amongst competing technologies such as PV or other ST systems.

This report clearly shows that conventional energy sources will not be sufficient to meet growing energy needs and that there is immense, cost-effective untapped potential for solar thermal technology.  We at Matrix Energy are convinced that our MatrixAir™ solar air heating systems with operating efficiencies of 70% or more with very attractive ROI’s are well suited to the task!

To receive a copy of the report email
and put “EU Solar Thermal Potential” in the subject title.