We have developed the world’s highest energy density solar technology delivering zero carbon heat, affordably.

Virtu

Virtu is the next generation in solar thermal technology. It’s a solar thermal collector that heats water from the power of the sun to up to 120°C.

Solar thermal can decarbonise global heat demand across a number of sectors, from manufacturing to hotels and leisure centres. By using Virtu customers can reduce their dependency on fossil fuels and future-proof hot water supply.

Virtu

Virtu redefines solar energy. It’s a hybrid solar collector that combines solar photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal technology, to generate both electricity and heat from a single solar collector.

Unlike solar PV, which generates only electricity, Virtu performs at optimal efficiency by also capturing the sun’s heat energy up to 75°C.

The Virtu product range provides end customers with great versatility and can be used for a range of different applications

Virtu - Revolutionising solar heat and power

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Virtu products are easy to install and fully modular, mounted on frames in sets of five evacuated tubes. Reflectors are positioned between tubes to maximise energy capture. We use the highest energy density solar collectors available globally, designed to optimise outputs and deliver maximum energy with limited installation space.

✓ 100% zero carbon energy

✓ up to 4x carbon savings compared to solar PV

✓ Strong brand value and enhanced ESG performance

✓ Improved building ratings

✓ Increased financial returns

✓ Energy independence from volatile fossil fuel prices

✓ Reduced development and project costs

✓ Local job creation

Suitable for end-consumers with constant heat demand such as:

✓ Public buildings e.g. hospitals

✓ New residential developments

✓ Multi-dwelling residential

✓ Food & beverage

✓ Hospitality & leisure

✓ Manufacturing

Integration

Virtu is a complementary technology. Like all solar thermal technologies, it can be easily combined with existing heating technology, such as heat pumps. This integration is most efficient when Virtu pre-heats the system, which is then topped-up and maintained by the backup heat source. It contributes to the decarbonisation of heat and utilises existing high-efficiency heat generation assets. As a roadmap technology, Virtu enables the energy transition to low-carbon heat through distributed, renewable, zero-carbon energy generation.

Virtu can lower your cost of heat and carbon emissions when integrated with:

✓ Air Source and ground-source heat pumps

✓ Gas heating

✓ Electric heating

✓ LPG and other fuels

✓ Biofuels

✓ Hydrogen

Benefits of an integrated approach:

✓ Reduced operational cost of heat pump through offsetting energy demand

✓ Self-sufficient, secure, free, zero-carbon energy

✓ Reduced reliance on the electricity grid

Virtu warranty wording

Clarity247

Cutting edge monitoring platform

Clarity247 is part of our innovative product offering. The monitoring platform gives customers accurate, ongoing performance data and accessible remote monitoring capabilities

Clarity247 reports on Virtu’s array performance to offer confidence and transparency.

Features include

✓ Thermal/Electrical Output monitoring

✓ Financial and sustainability reporting

✓ Carbon reporting

✓ Fault detection

✓ Performance optimisation

✓ Integration with other renewables on site

Heat-as-a-Service

Zero carbon heat and power, zero risk and zero upfront cost.

Solar-as-a-Service enables customers to access zero-carbon energy without upfront capital. It’s our answer to a Power Purchase Agreement for solar thermal solutions. Solar-as-a-Service provides customers with solar thermal heat at a fixed cost per kWh.

How it works

In a Solar-as-a-Service arrangement, Naked Energy secures finance on behalf of a customer and completes the design and installation.

Naked Energy operates and maintains the system whilst managing billing and reporting.

The customer purchases solar thermal heat at a fixed cost and is protected from volatile energy prices. The customer retains the equipment and at the end of the term enjoys free, clean energy for an expected lifetime of 10 years.

Long-term energy security

Our Solar-as-a-Service package gives customers long-term energy price forecasts and stability over a 10-year term.

The service options are delivered in partnership with our partner E.ON.

Virtu FAQs

  • There are two product models: VirtuPVT and VirtuHOT. Both products are modular and designed to be flexible and meet various levels of demand. Each model can be supplied with reflectors or without. VirtuPVT has a standard absorber angle of 35°and VirtuHOT can be manufactured with different absorber angle specifications at either -20°, 0°, +20°, +35° with the angle being dependent on the installation requirements.

  • Our products are designed for maximum efficiency. In both high density (HD) and non-high density models, the PVT tubes are the same. Non-HD models include reflectors between the tubes, whereas HD projects don’t. Project location informs whether HD or non-HD models will be installed. HD models are typically installed on sloped roofs in locations close to the equator.

  • VirtuPVT delivers up to 4x more energy than solar PV, and more carbon savings for many public, industrial and commercial buildings that require hot water or other forms of heat. It also delivers lower running costs and better return on investment than standard PV systems.

  • VirtuPVT has a market-leading peak efficiency of up to 80%, at 20% PV and 60% thermal. VirtuPVT displaces more fossil fuels than other distributed renewable energy systems, and generates greater carbon savings. VirtuPVT generates both clean electricity and heat, which dramatically reduces both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, and contributes to net zero goals.

  • A single hybrid collector reduces installation time as well as costs. It delivers more carbon savings than separate solar PV and solar thermal products, and the result is overall greater return on investment. Additionally, Virtu’s beautiful aesthetics distinguish them from other collectors in the marketplace.

  • Yes. Virtu is a complementary rather than a competitor product to heat pumps. Virtu can be combined with ground and air-source heat pumps to support their overall performance and provide an alternative source of heat when the sun isn’t shining. However, the carbon emissions and operating costs of a heat pump will vary depending on the local grid when operated without solar power.

  • Yes, solar thermal still works in the winter. But like all solar products, Virtu generates more energy during the summer months. However, seasonal thermal storage enables end-users to benefit from solar thermal throughout the year. Thermal energy is collected and stored in warmer months and can be used in the opposing season when it is needed most. A prime example of a large-scale thermal storage project is Drake Landing Solar Community in Canada: https://www.dlsc.ca/borehole.htm

  • Water and propylene glycol mixture are used to avoid freezing in winter. The correct glycol concentration is determined by the location of the project. In locations where freezing temperatures don’t occur, it is possible to use de-ionised water without glycol.

  • Our product does not require any more maintenance than conventional solar thermal or solar PV arrays and generally requires very little maintenance to function. We work with trusted partners to install Virtu products, following strict installation methodologies to achieve the best possible results. The performance of our Virtu products is monitored digitally and in real-time with our Clarity247 platform. Well-maintained systems can expect a productive lifetime of at least 20-years.

  • We ensure that our products meet robust certification and the highest industry standards. The standards included in our Solar Keymark certification are: ISO 9001, EN 61730, EN 61215-1, ISO 9806, EN 12975. They cover our supply chain, the manufacturing of our products.

  • Yes. We ensure that our products meet robust certification and quality assurance standards. Our standard warranty is five years. However, customers who use an approved installer and take O&M will receive the maximum industry warranty of 10 years.