Cool Earth Inflatable Solar Balloons Get $21M Funding |
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| By Michael d'Estries in Energy, Solar | February 18, 2008 | |
While they might look like those foil party balloons you used to get as a kid, these inflatable photovoltaic balloons are actually a lot more useful — and massive. They’ve also just received over $21 million in backing for parent company Cool Earth. Here’s how they work:
Although Cool Earth’s inflated mirror concentrators look just like oversized conventional foil balloons, one half is reflective mylar; the other, clear film. Inside the bubble is a high-efficiency PV receiver. Designed for utility-scale solar energy, the balloons are lightweight and easy to string up but rugged enough to withstand 100 mph winds, according to the company. And all of the delicate and expensive PV components are protected inside.
Based on this recent infusion of cash, Cool Earth is looking to build a 10-megawatt plant of solar balloons in the next year or so. It would use over 10,000 balloons and cover roughly 80 acres.
Let’s hope it doesn’t hail.
via Earth2Tech
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