Unéole, a forward-thinking French startup, has harnessed the power of both solar and wind energy to create an innovative and efficient renewable energy system. Designed particularly for urban buildings, their groundbreaking solution combines wind turbines with photovoltaic rooftops to achieve an impressive 40% increase in energy production compared to traditional solar solutions.
Maximizing Renewable Energy Production
The key advantage of Unéole’s hybrid energy system lies in its ability to switch between solar and wind power based on weather conditions. While solar energy production relies on sunlight, wind turbines can take over during the night or winter months when solar radiation is lower. This intelligent integration maximizes energy output throughout the year.
Low-Carbon and Cost-Effective Approach
Unéole’s commitment to sustainability extends to their construction materials. The wind turbines are built using recycled or recyclable materials like aluminum and stainless steel, with a focus on local production to reduce the carbon footprint. Specific algorithms are employed to determine the optimal number of wind turbines and photovoltaic panels for each building type, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Safe and Silent Operation
The startup’s wind turbines have been certified by the French public agency CEREMA as silent and non-interfering with electromagnetic waves. This means they pose no harm to humans or building equipment, making them an environmentally friendly and safe addition to urban environments.
The Future of Unéole’s Technology
The Unéole system, comprising a row of wind turbines topped with solar panels, has shown great promise. Collaborating with specialized design office ESER, the company tailors its technology to fit various flat roofs with an area of 150 sqm or more. An experimental device installed at the CD2e LumiWatt site demonstrated the technology’s potential. With positive results, Unéole aims to upscale production using the funds currently being raised, ushering in a new era of efficient and sustainable urban energy solutions.
