soblue photovoltaic thermal (PVT) module receives Solar Keymark certification with best values

The highly efficient photovoltaic thermal (PVT) Multi-NRG panels from soblue, the leading manufacturer of high-performance PVT-based energy systems, are now Solar Keymark certified and thus qualified for the most important subsidy programmes. The certification was carried out on the basis of the standards EN ISO 9806:2017 (for the thermal part) and EN 61215 and EN IEC 61730 (photovoltaic part) by the independent testing institute KIWA.

For customers, certification of the soblue Multi-NRG panel according to this strict industry standard means that their systems meet the highest quality standards and - thanks to the highest energy yields ever measured - are characterised by the best economic efficiency.

For architects and planners, the Solar Keymark certification of the soblue Multi-NRG panel is also a double benefit: on the one hand, they get a collector that extends the performance spectrum upwards. Secondly, they can consolidate their yield planning using standardised test parameters and at the same time establish a reliable comparison with less efficient collectors.

Highest energy yields proven

In the extensive tests, the patented combi-flat modules from soblue have proven their outstanding performance, among other things: Under standard test conditions (1000 W/m2 irradiation, ambient temperature 25 °C, delta-T = 0 °C, wind speed 0 m/s), they are currently among the most efficient PVT modules on the market; they deliver almost 20% electricity and an additional 60% heat from solar irradiation.

However, in the interests of the customer and in practice, the soblue engineers did not aim for the standard test conditions in the laboratory when developing the multi-NRG collector. Instead, they optimised the now certified module so that it delivers maximum performance under normal practical conditions:
If the system uses the collector as a heat collector, the module is usually operated with an inlet temperature of between -10 °C or -5 °C compared to the outside temperature. In this range in particular, the soblue Multi-NRG Panel delivers outstanding thermal yields: Over 1,500 W in strong solar radiation and just under 800 W in overcast weather. At night - without any solar radiation - a soblue Multi-NRG collector still achieves approx. 200 W; given the high number of night hours per year, this is an extremely significant and decisive contribution to the total annual yield.

In the summer months, the soblue Multi-NRG Panel can be used by the system as an active cooling element; in this mode, the module is used as a heat radiator at night. If the panel is fed with 10 °C excess temperature (compared to the ambient temperature), this results in a cooling capacity of almost 400 W per collector.

‘Our PVT modules have already convincingly demonstrated their unique efficiency in practice - such as for Pfister AG  -’, says Alex Bircher, CTO of soblue. ‘We are delighted that the outstanding performance data of our combi flat modules has now also been proven in independent tests and recorded in the Solar Keymark certification.’

In 2024, soblue realised the largest and most efficient PVT system in Europe to date for the industrial building and energy-intensive process plants of Carrosserie Pfister AG in Herisau, Switzerland. In combination with geothermal probes and heat pumps, 240 soblue Multi-NRG collectors with a total electrical output of 104 kWp and a thermal output of 324 kWp provide fossil-free electricity, heating and cooling.

The Solar Keymark is a voluntary, independent certification mark for solar thermal products. As a trustworthy label, it confirms to the end user that a product complies with the relevant European standards and fulfils additional requirements - and is therefore eligible for various government and non-government subsidy programmes. The Solar Keymark is a European certificate that is increasingly recognised worldwide. More information on Solar Keymark at solarkeymark.eu