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| Slat extrusions with tracks for solar cells thus creating an integrated system that functions as both a sun screen and sun panels. |
Interesting sidetrack
After four decades in the business, AluSol is well established in the Swedish market. The main focus is on the development and manufacture of fixed and mobile sun screens for commercial properties. Its principal market is Sweden but sales show that that it has even received orders from countries in Europe and Africa. Extensive knowledge of the development and design of aluminium products and close cooperation with architects has also led AluSol on some interesting sidetracks with commissions like screens and exterior bars on the façades of buildings for the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.
The bulk of the material used is aluminium extrusions and the basis of the sun screens are frame extrusions into which slats from 65 to 400 mm long are fitted. A customised system for each project is designed using the standard range according to the window height, type of façade, the local climate and architectural demands.
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| The material used in AluSol’s sun screens is principally aluminium extrusions, frame extrusions of various sizes into which slats from 65 to 400 mm long are fitted. |
Double function
AluSol’s screens are usually fixed installations but motor-driven slats are also used. A newly developed system shows a new approach with the sun screens having a double function. The slats have tracks for fitting solar cells thus creating an integrated system that functions as both a sun screen and sun panels. The first to be fitted with the new system was the Malmö Academy of Music, commissioned by the National Property Board. This installation aroused great interest and was awarded the Swedish Sun Screen Association’s Sun Screen Prize in 2008.
“This system is an interesting example of this technique,” says AluSol’s managing director Christian Ahlborn, “and is a good pointer to possible applications in the future. Furthermore many companies publish annual eco reports today and solar energy will be an important asset in the balance sheet.”
Another installation of the new system has begun at the hospital in Sollefteå in Northern Sweden where there will be 2.4 km of sun screen slats with integrated sun panels!
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| Malmö Academy of Music with the new solar energy system from Alusol. |
Total control
Hydro Aluminium Profiler and AluSol have worked closely together for nearly two decades. “Hydro is an active partner who helps us develop, optimise and refine our ideas,” says Peter Ohlsson, manager for Alusol’s solar cell project. “This in combination with short decision-making processes is very important considering we are continually working closely with customers and architects to customise our system.”
AluSol has total control over the whole production chain as they design, develop and manufacture their systems. Furthermore, the company installs its products throughout the country with its own staff which ensures total control over both quality and operation right up to the end-user.
In what is now its double responsibility of both keeping out and capturing the sun!
