Inspenet, July 6, 2023.
The French startup Turn2Sun has just launched in a world premiere the “Blade2Sun™”, a solution that allows installing solar panels on the reused blades of wind turbines , which aroused the interest of a large number of solar energy developers.
This approach combines elements of wind energy , circular economy and solar power generation in a single solution. The structure, which has outstanding resistance properties, is used as a support for the solar panels instead of the traditional metal beams.
Wind power is an essential component in the energy transition. Currently, there are more than 300,000 wind turbines installed worldwide, which represent 6.5% of global electricity production, and in Europe alone, around 25,000 wind turbines are expected to reach the end of their useful life in the coming years.
One element and multiple solutions
Despite the fact that it is possible to recycle almost 90% of the mass of a wind turbine, the challenge remains with respect to the blades. These, which are made of composite materials, are generally burned in cement plants or incinerators once they are no longer used.
Although solutions for reusing the blades are limited, their strength properties, which allow them to cut through the air at speeds of over 300 km/h, could be exploited.
Within the framework of developing new solutions for the implementation of solar energy, Turn2Sun solves two problems at once. With this invention, the startup presents a unique system protected by multiple patents worldwide, since the reused blades serve as support for a metal structure that houses bifacial solar panels.
A pilot installation was recently carried out in Graubünden, at an altitude of 2,500 meters, in collaboration with Armasuisse and the tests confirmed the viability of this type of solar installation, demonstrating its resistance in extreme conditions. In addition, the use of reused wind turbine blades, which are transportable, lightweight and adjustable, allows for very competitive costs.
The versatility of wind turbine blades
This type of structure is especially suitable for housing bifacial solar panels, which are becoming the market standard. Therefore, this solution represents an “upcycling” by providing a new value to blades that have reached the end of their useful life.
“Several global developers have shown interest in this solution. Turn2Sun is establishing partnerships to be able to offer this solution in other countries, including incorporating larger wind turbine blades, building on the successful experience of the project in Graubünden,” says Lionel Perret, co-founder of the startup Turn2Sun.
The blades can be used in various ways to generate solar energy. They can be installed in parking lots (providing shade for parked cars), over water tanks, in agricultural fields, and even on top of infrastructure such as railways or highways.
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