The California-based Xponent Power has been awarded the German Innovation Award for its 1.2 kW solar awning designed for recreational vehicles (RVs). The award was established in 1953 by the German Design Council.
The Xpanse awning can be retracted to create a solar array that can provide shade outdoors for RVs. The 1.2 kW design packs a substantial amount of power in a tiny package attached to the outer part of an RV. Xponent Power said the awning could produce up to 6 kWh daily.
The awning can be combined with rooftop solar systems already in place. The company also makes 1 kW and 800W models, according to a report.
Xponent Power said the awning is extremely wind-tolerant, and even in the worst weather, the awning retracts completely to safeguard itself. Small gaps between the modules allow wind to pass through, increasing the structure’s stability.
The panels are bifacial, generating electricity from sunlight above and reflective light from below. Bypass diodes are integrated with each module, meaning that if one module is shaded, it will not affect the performance of the rest.
The company also includes a five-year warranty on the solar awning and one year warranty on labor.
Instead of covering the entire roof of the RV, which is small in size, it folds away from the sides and back of the car. This stops roof penetrations and allows the roof to be easily accessible to make repairs or maintenance.
Rather than being closely ratcheted to the roof, which can cause heat management and performance problems, the array is exposed to open air for effective cooling and optimized power generation.
Xponent Power tested the awning arm for 2,000 open and closed cycles with additional weight added to the array to confirm its durability.
Xponent installs the awning in-house, and the company said it has plans to have numerous installation locations across the United States. It said the design is compatible with most RV makes and models.
The array can be installed on the opposite side of existing awnings, negating the need for removal.
The company said it plans to start deliveries in 2023. The array could qualify for a 26% federal investment tax credit in 2022 and 22% by 2023.
Xponent said it is examining ways to modify the Xpanse the awning for marine, residential, and other applications.
This article originally appeared on PV Magazine. Featured image from Xponent Power.