This system uses a roof-integrated collector that employs non-imaging optics to produce the most efficient solar collector tube in the world. Arrays of these collectors are connected together to capture enough energy to power double-effect absorption cooling equipment for commercial and industrial buildings-the only fixed solar system in the world to have this high temperature capability. While cooling is the optimal use of this system, it also produces space heating in the winter, heats domestic water, and can produce electricity for office or small industrial buildings. When implemented into a typical sawtooth roof, the system also allows for daylighting.

This fixed array system can produce solar-heated fluids up to 400 degrees F, and is capable of reliably converting the thermal energy to electricity, absorption cooling and industrial process steam. Additionally, by capturing the waste heat from these processes, the overall system's efficiency can be greatly magnified by also fulfilling desalination, space heating, and hot water needs.

Springer-Carrier in Canoas, Brazil, has now completed the first of three phases of renovation that will transition their existing manufacturing operations into the Factory of the Future. In phase I, Solargenix, working with Carrier's local engineering team, implemented a Power Roof daylighting strategy that resulted in a 30% reduction in cooling load while drastically cutting lighting needs in the 200,000 square foot facility. The Power Roof has already fulfilled several of their major objectives- to increase worker productivity through the use of natural daylighting, reduce cooling costs and minimize lighting costs.

In the next phase, Solargenix will add VAC 2000 arrays to the sawtooth roof assembly to provide enough thermal energy to not only drive the 700 tons of absorption cooling now installed but to also provide over 200 kilowatts of electricity during peak demand.

The final phase will consist of adding a Power Roof tracking system that will serve as the roof of an addition and provide over 1.5 megawatts of power, enabling the system to meet the total facility's peak load with solar energy.