Domestic hydrogen from solar panels: scale production is underway

After more than a decade of research, testing and prototyping, we are one step away from home production of hydrogentaking advantage of a known and widespread technology, that of solar panelsi installed on the roof of the house. The prototypes developed by a team of scholars of KU Leuvenin Belgium, have been incorporated into a practical and attractive design by Comate Engineering & Design.

As explained by the team, the panels are capable splitting water molecules into hydrogen gas using solar energy; physically they are similar to traditional photovoltaic modules, but are connected to the building via gas pipes and not electricity cables.

When asked about the efficiency of these cells, the researchers stated that each panel is capable of produce 250 liters of hydrogen per day, with an efficiency of 15%, under normal conditions.

“Solhyd hydrogen panels are compatible with most modern commercial PV modules, which are directly connected to our system. In this way, we can benefit from ongoing developments and cost reductions in the PV sector”said KU Leuven researcher Jan Rongé “To further enhance this synergy, Solhyd hydrogen panels are compatible with common PV mounting structures.”

Scholars have estimated that 20 panels could provide electricity and heat for a well-insulated house with a heat pump for all winter and, if installed together with a solar thermal collector and traditional solar panelscould provide electricity and heat all year long.

“The hydrogen panels themselves do not store hydrogen and work at very low pressure. This has several advantages in terms of safety and costs. The hydrogen is collected centrally by the hydrogen panel plant and then compressed if necessary”Ronge said. “Hydrogen can be stored indefinitely in compressed form. Of course, some applications don’t require compression or will use other means of storage.”

According to the team, the cost of these modules will follow the same trend as photovoltaics, above all because no precious materials are used, which makes their panels affordable. Since 2011, when the project started, they have tested several prototypes and now they have arrived at a finished product, ready to be marketed.

In September, the Solhyd project moved from the University’s laboratories to a new 350 square meter production space near the Belgian city of Leuven. where pilot production lines were established with the help of funding from the Flemish government.

Initially, the team will produce a few dozen hydrogen fuel cells for small-scale pilot projects, but by 2026 it plans to increase production to 5,000 panels a year. “At this time we expect the product to be commercially available from 2026 onwards”Rongé argues. “When we reach mass production, the price will be close to today’s PV modules.”