SolarGaps Blinds
These solar blinds are an interesting idea for self-generating electricity and have been creating a bit of buzz, but it’s doubtful we’ll be seeing them used legally in Australia as a plug-in device.
Targeted primarily towards renters or those without suitable roof space, SolarGaps blinds can be mounted internally or externally. To use the electricity generated, the device is plugged into an existing standard power outlet.
The blinds automatically track the sun throughout the day or be manually adjusted. The system can be integrated with devices such as Google Home and Echo to control the blinds by voice, temperature and/or smartphone app.
The manufacturer claims one square meter of SolarGaps blinds generates up to 100 watts of electricity if installed outside and if installed indoors, 50 watts. The monocrystalline solar cells used in the blinds appear to be good quality, having been sourced from Sunpower.
The company says surplus electricity can be stored in an existing battery system and “even sent back through the grid”, enabling the sale of energy back to power companies.
There’s a significant issue that may prevent this product from being used as intended (legally) in Australia – even if a 240V version is produced – and it’s to do with the product’s inverter. Some years ago, grid-tie plugin solar inverters generated quite a bit of interest in Australia, but the issue with those inverters is what will cause the same problem for Solar Gaps’ “plug in” functionality.
Grid-connected solar PV systems need to be installed by a person with Clean Energy Council grid-connect accreditation. The latest Clean Energy Council guidelines for accredited installers (PDF), mandatory from July 1, states:
“8.5.2 The inverter shall be connected by fixed wiring to a dedicated circuit on a switchboard.”
The current CEC guidelines also state the same thing.
Based on this issue alone, it’s really a case of caveat emptor for Australian purchasers of this product.
Even if the system is safe (e.g. anti-islanding features aren’t mentioned), permission from the relevant electricity network would also be required to plug this system in – without this, it potentially leaves the user wide open to legal risks.
Additionally, SolarGaps will need to be added to the Clean Energy Council’s list of approved modules and inverters in order to be entitled to small-scale technology certificates (STCs); which form the basis of solar subsidies in Australia.
Without appropriate approvals, attempting to claim solar feed in tariffs using SolarGaps will also not be possible.
About Michael Bloch
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