Tensile PV: Combining Tensile Membrane with Photovoltaics

In our January and April newsletters of this year we discussed how schools are targeted with becoming a sustainable school by 2020; also discussed was the Feed-In-Tariff scheme and the various benefits schools, care homes and all who generate renewable energy can receive.
Inside2Outside’s focus has been on photovoltaics (PV – Solar power that generates electricity), and applying PV to our canopies. This combination has created an exciting new product that we are now selling – Tensile PV. What do you need to know when thinking about whether to use Tensile PV?
What is it?
Tensile PV is a simple combination of Tensile Membrane Fabric with photovoltaics. Our Tensile PV uses thin-film, lightweight and flexible PV with our tensile membrane structures. Ideal applications of it are:
• Canopies
• Walkways
• Roofs

There are a number of options out there for those interested in solar power. Large, bulky photovoltaics are commonly available from many places. However, there are key characteristics that make Tensile Pv stand out from other solar options.

Why Tensile PV?

Not only do you reap all of the benefits of having a shade structure, in that you receive protection from the sun, rain, snow and wind, but you gain added benefits from the photovoltaics. How?

• It produces renewable energy that will generate an income through the Government Feed-In-Tariff scheme
• It saves money on electricity bills
• It is lightweight, flexible and aesthetically pleasing
• It has unique characteristics, generating electricity from lower light levels that previous PV available, making it ideally suited to the UK
• Tensile PV can reduce your Carbon Footprint
• It is future proof – keep your system up to date with Tensile PV
Further to this, schools can use Tensile PV to aid them with their curriculum and help them to achieve sustainable schools status. Tensile PV is an exciting, new product which brings a range of benefits to those who use it.
Tensile PV Canopies can pay for themselves
• Our structures save energy by providing shade
• Harvest energy from the sun as electrical energy for your own use or for the national grid
• Use electricity produced to reduce your energy bills