Solar panels convert solar radiation directly or indirectly into electrical energy through the photoelectric effect by absorbing sunlight. However, excess electricity is still generated in the process. A few days ago, CNX Construction, the developer of the Chiang Mai project in Thailand, used solar hydrogen storage technology in the "Phi Suea House" project to convert excess solar energy into hydrogen energy and store it for four households.

In order to achieve this goal, CNX said it would need to generate about 441kWh of electricity per day from 114kW of photovoltaic panels, with some of the excess power being stored in two lead-acid batteries. At the same time, the remaining electricity will be converted into hydrogen energy by electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen and stored. If needed at night, it can be converted into electricity by a fuel cell.

CNX Construction Engineering said that the energy storage method of this system is the most efficient and environmentally friendly. In addition, the system is completely clean and pollution-free during operation, with the only by-products being oxygen and water.

When the entire system is activated, it will be able to produce up to 2,000 liters of hydrogen per hour and store up to 90,000 liters of hydrogen. The daily demand for electricity in the region is around 200kWh, and fuel cells can provide up to 120kWh of electricity.

In order to ensure the electricity efficiency of the room, the system will install solar hot water panels, which means that no electricity is required for water heating. In addition, in order to reduce the utilization of air conditioning in the room, there will be double glazing, thickened walls, natural ventilation, high-efficiency fans, as well as large windows and low-power LED lights to reduce lighting energy consumption.

Since March this year, the system has been undergoing low-load testing. CNX Construction told the Gizmag website that the system will be fully operational in January next year.