Photovoltaic sun awnings
AIM Solar sunshade awnings are a sunshade and photo voltaic installation in one. The best location for a sunshade is also an optimal place to install a solar system, though traditional, fixed installations are not suitable for this purpose. Hence, AIM Solar has developed an Adjustable Inclination Mounting system (patent pending) that allows solar panels to be installed on building facades.
By installing the AIM Solar systems above windows, or (sliding) glass doors they also double as a solar shade, keeping your home’s interior cooler during the summer. During the darker winter months you will want to let the daylight in as much as possible. The AIM solar system folds towards the wall to minimize the shade during winter. As an added benefit, this results in a much more favorable inclination of the solar panels to catch the sun when it is low in the sky, optimizing electricity production during both summer and winter.
Folding solar shades
The AIM Solar system consists of a folding arm at the bottom, and a pivoting arm at the top. Because the folding arms are different in length and the upper arm pivots up, when the assembly is folded towards the building, it is also lifted upwards to minimize shading in the winter.
Adjustment
The AIM solar system is not intended to track the sun during the day, but rather to offer optimum comfort during both summer and winter. The system is designed to be adjusted towards the summer position in early spring, and in the winter position in autumn. Switching between summer and winter positions works the same as adjusting a regular solar awning.
Installation requirements
As with other solar energy installations, the solar panels should roughly face South (from South-East to South-West) on the Northern hemisphere in order to capture the most sun. Shading by surrounding buildings or trees will negatively impact electricity generation.
The AIM solar system can be installed on any facade that is in good condition. The required vertical space depends on the size of the solar panels installed on the system and the orientation. In a (recommended) landscape orientation the minimum space required to keep shading in the winter to a minimum is the same as the shortest length of the solar panel.
Solar system
The AIM Solar system can accommodate a large variety of solar panels ranging in size (short side) from 90-110 cm. The panels can be either glass-glass or glass-foil as long as the maximum span between supports, as specified by the solar panel manufacturer, is not exceeded.
As with all solar systems, depending on local conditions, certain types of inverters give better results than others. Particularly if partial shading of some panels can be expected during the day, the use of micro inverters is recommended.
The AIM Solar system increases comfort and helps you generate more electricity in a sustainable manner.