The Austrian PV company Sunbooster has presented its latest development, Sunbooster Vertical. The bifacial, flexible solar modules can be threaded directly into existing double wire mesh fences. They replace conventional privacy strips and generate solar energy on the vertical surfaces of garden fences - significantly more than conventional PV modules thanks to the PV cells on both sides. Sunbooster offers the monocrystalline PV modules in six complete sets from 372 watts output with inverters and cabling.
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Saving electricity costs
Thanks to its vertical orientation, the Sunbooster Vertical mainly supplies electricity in the morning and evening - precisely when energy demand and electricity prices are at their highest. Because existing fences can be used, retrofitting is extremely simple. Like balcony power plants, the Sunbooster Vertical with a maximum feed-in power of 800 watts does not need to be registered or authorised. In addition, the solar power plant is exempt from VAT in Germany and Austria and is also subsidised in many towns and municipalities.
From detached houses to industrial buildings
Whether a small garden fence or industrial fencing, there are no limits with the Sunbooster Vertical, as the sets can be extended modularly to several metres of fence. A 100 metre long fence can generate more than 18 kilowatts of solar power directly, which corresponds to an annual yield of around 22 megawatt hours.
‘The acquisition costs are only a third of those of conventional solar fences. This means that our sets have already amortised after two and a half years,’ says CEO Stefan Ponsold, explaining the economic benefits. He adds: ‘In times of increasing demand for renewable energy and limited space for the expansion of PV systems, we are breaking new ground with our innovation. We are transforming existing fences into powerful solar power plants - without any additional space requirements.’
Energy generation even in the winter
The vertical modules also provide reliable energy in winter, when the sun is low and roof-mounted PV systems are covered in snow - ideal for supplying air heat pumps with electricity. The bifacial cell technology also utilises the light reflected by the snow (albedo effect), which further increases the overall yield.
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The company is offering discounts of 20 per cent for pre-orders via their website, which corresponds to an introductory price starting at EUR 399.90 for a complete package. The sets will also be available in selected DIY stores and specialist retailers in the course of the year.
