Task Highlights

Task 63 Highlights 2023
February 2024 - PDF 0.16MB
By: Maria Wall

A large portion of the potential for energy efficiency in buildings and the potential to utilize solar energy remains unused. The combination of making buildings more energy efficient –through refurbishment interventions and new developments – and increasing the use of renewable energy sources is key for moving towards a low carbon energy transition. The increased use of solar energy is one of the important development paths. The urban fabric needs to utilize passive solar gains and daylight to reduce the energy use in buildings, as well as to improve the inhabitants’ comfort in indoor and outdoor areas. In addition, active solar energy systems integrated in the urban context contribute to the production of renewable energy as heat and electricity. All these strategies help cities and citizens to reach sustainable development targets.

Task 67 Highlight 2023
February 2024 - PDF 0.51MB
By: Wim van Helden

There is a broad range of possible applications for compact thermal energy storage: from keeping temperatures of transported goods constant to the seasonal storage of solar thermal energy in dwellings. The challenge is to couple the compact thermal storage materials development work to the targeted applications. The material performance needs to be understood, materials need to be tested in application boundary conditions and the material performance, in combination with properly designed components, should be tuned to the desired system performance in the application.

Task 68 Highlights 2023
February 2024 - PDF 0.24MB
By: Viktor Unterberger

Regarding the heat supply of buildings, district heating systems play an important role and are well-established in many countries since they typically enable efficient resource utilization. However, most district heating networks in Europe and worldwide still operate with supply temperatures over 80 to 120°C (medium-high temperature), which is still typically produced by caloric power plants. Currently operating solar district heating (SDH) systems are typically installed with flat-plate collectors providing either heat at lower temperatures or lower efficiency in case of higher temperatures. SHC Task 68 is therefore investigating how to increase the efficiency of SDH systems further and support the dissemination of such systems.

Task 69 Highlights 2023
February 2024 - PDF 0.17MB
By: Robert A. Taylor, He Tao

Hot water demand is continuously growing globally, and many IEA SHC member countries have 2030 commitments/targets to achieve a higher solar fraction of their economies. At present, ~16% of residential energy consumption in IEA countries goes to water heating (according to 2018 IEA data). However, the ‘solar share’ of low-temperature heating is still relatively low —only 2.1% of space and water heat demand was being met by solar thermal in 2018, and this mainly comes from evacuated tube systems installed in China. This same report states, “to be in line with the Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS), the share of clean energy technologies needs to exceed 50% of new heating equipment sales by 2030.” To investigate the best way to fill this gap for solar hot water, SHC Task 69 focuses on two technologies that are expected to play the biggest role in the solar hot water market in 2030: solar thermal thermosyphon and solar photovoltaic (PV) derived hot water heating systems.

Task 70 Highlights 2023
February 2024 - PDF 0.17MB
By: Jan de Boer

Lighting accounts for 5% of the global CO2 emissions and its carbon footprint has a significant impact on global warming. In the transition to mainly electricity-based energy systems, lighting, with 15% of the electrical energy consumption, is in strong competition with other existing and new consumers, e.g., e-mobility or heat pumps. With rising electricity prices and steadily higher directly taxed CO2 emissions, lighting costs also will increase significantly.

Task 71 Highlights 2023
February 2024 - PDF 0.26MB
By: Karl-Anders Weiß

In response to the growing urgency of environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity, governments worldwide are intensifying efforts to regulate and standardize products to mitigate environmental impact. Among the promising avenues within clean energy, solar heating, and cooling systems stand out for their potential to contribute significantly to sustainable energy solutions. However, as advancements are made to increase their efficiency and affordability, it is necessary to ensure that these developments do not inadvertently introduce new environmental burdens. The heating and cooling sector, particularly air-conditioning, is witnessing rapid expansion propelled by technological innovations and increased efficiency. With this expansion comes an increased emphasis on environmental labeling tools, both compulsory and voluntary, aimed at ensuring product quality while supporting business opportunities for producers. Central to this effort is the need for standardized and reliable certification, which is essential for ensuring consumer trust.

TASK 62 HIGHLIGHTS 2022
April 2023 - PDF 0.32MB

SHC Task 62 has worked to improve the conditions and increase the applications of solar-driven separation and water purification technologies in industrial applications in order to push the solar water treatment market and to solve water problems at locations with abundant solar energy resources

TASK 65 HIGHLIGHTS 2022
March 2023 - PDF 0.63MB

This project focuses on using solar energy across Sunbelt regions where boundary conditions vary (sunny and hot, and humid climates, between 20-40 degrees latitude in the northern and southern hemisphere). Adaptation of existing concepts is key. To utilize solar heat in industry and to support the solar thermal market, the integration of solar thermal systems into existing energy supply structures is paramount.

TASK 67 HIGHLIGHTS 2022
February 2023 - PDF 0.26MB

The main objectives of the Task are to 1) better understand the factors that influence the storage density and the performance degradation of CTES materials, 2) characterize these materials in a reliable and reproducible manner, 3) develop methods to effectively determine the State of Charge of a CTES, and 4) increase the knowledge base on how to design optimized heat exchangers and reactors for CTES technologies. This publication highlights two projects Task experts worked on in 2022.

TASK 63 HIGHLIGHTS 2022
January 2023 - PDF 0.14MB

The main objective of SHC Task 63 is to support key players to achieve solar neighborhoods that facilitate long-term solar access for energy production and for daylighting buildings and outdoor environments – resulting in sustainable and healthy environments. Key players include developers, property owners/associations, architects, urban planners, municipalities, and institutions. This publication highlights the 2022 results of two work streams.

Task 62 Highlight 2021
February 2022 - PDF 0.28MB

The change to a sustainable, resource- and energy-efficient industry represents a significant challenge for the coming years. The efficient supply of energy, the best possible integration of renewable energy sources and the recovery of resources in the sense of a circular economy must go hand in hand. The use of solar process heat represents a large, but so far largely unused, potential in industry. Innovative and concrete solutions are needed for the long-term and successful introduction of solar thermal energy. The integration of solar process heat to supply technologies for wastewater treatment represents a new field of application with excellent technical and economic potential for solar thermal energy. The efficient interaction, the nexus between solar energy, water and industry opens up new and innovative approaches.

Task 61 Highlight 2021
January 2022 - PDF 0.22MB
By: Jan de Boer

Lighting accounts for approximately 15% of global electric energy consumption and 5% of greenhouse gas. Projections by the IEA show that if governments only rely on current policies, global electricity use for lighting will grow from around 2,900 TWh to around 4,250 TWh by 2030. Due to the world’s growing population and the increasing demand for electrically driven services in emerging economies, the increase will occur despite constant improvements in the energy efficiency of lighting systems.

Task 63 Highlights 2021
January 2022 - PDF 0.09MB
By: Maria Wall

A large portion of the potential for energy efficiency in buildings and the potential to utilize solar energy still remains unused. The combination of making buildings more energy efficient – through refurbishment interventions and new developments – and increasing the use of renewable energy sources is key for moving towards a low carbon energy transition. The increased use of solar energy is one of the important development paths. The urban fabric needs to utilize passive solar gains and daylight to reduce the energy use in buildings, as well as to improve the inhabitants’ comfort in indoor and outdoor areas. In addition, active solar energy systems integrated in the urban context contribute to the production of renewable energy as heat and electricity. All these strategies help cities and citizens to reach sustainable development targets.

Task 64 Highlights 2021
January 2022 - PDF 0.5MB
By: Andreas Häberle

The industrial sector accounts for approximately 30% of the total energy consumption in the OECD countries. The major share of the energy that is needed in industrial companies, services and agriculture is used for heating and cooling of buildings and for production processes at temperatures from ambient up to approx. 400-500°C. This is a temperature range that can be addressed with solar thermal technologies at a high TRL.

Task 65 Highlights 2021
January 2022 - PDF 0.57MB
By: Uli Jakob

In 2016, air-conditioning accounted for nearly 20% of the total electricity demand in buildings worldwide and consumption is growing faster than any other energy source used in buildings. If measures are not taken to counteract this increase, space cooling demand will almost triple by 2050; the demand could reach 6,200 TWh, or 30% of the total electricity used in buildings. The latest studies are primarily directed at existing conventional technology. However, greater attention should be directed at enhancing components and systems.

Task 59 Highlights 2020
October 2021 - PDF 0.2MB

Historic buildings represent a large share of the existing building stock. They are the trademark of numerous cities, and they will only survive if maintained as a living space. In order to preserve this heritage, we need to find conservation compatible energy retrofit approaches and solutions, which allow to maintain the historic and aesthetic values while increasing comfort, lowering energy bills and minimizing environmental impact.

Task 65 Highlights 2020
March 2021 - PDF 0.57MB

In 2016, air-conditioning accounted for nearly 20% of the total electricity demand in buildings worldwide and consumption is growing faster than any other energy source used in buildings. If measures are not taken to counteract this increase, space cooling demand will almost triple by 2050; the demand could reach 6,200 TWh, or 30% of the total electricity used in buildings. The latest studies are primarily directed at existing conventional technology. However, greater attention should be directed at enhancing components and systems. Solar cooling, either thermal or electrical driven systems, tend to cater mainly to niche markets. To foster affordable, safe and reliable solar cooling systems in the Sunbelt regions a combination of cost reduction, adaptation and system simplification is required. 

Task 55 Highlights 2020
February 2021 - PDF 0.17MB

In recent years, megawatt-scale solar thermal district heating (SDH) systems have gained increasing attention globally. Several ambitious projects were successfully implemented in countries such as Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Sweden and Norway. Large-scale SDH systems and their large-sized seasonal storages have become attractive options for cost effective and low carbon heat supply. In the next step, large systems will become even bigger and likely grow from MEGA to almost GIGA-sized installations. These systems will be able to meet the increasing energy demand of city districts and of whole cities. Compared to conventional heat generation systems, the effective operation of a SDH network and its seasonal storage can guarantee a primary energy consumption reduction of >70% in thermal needs. However, the actual integration of large solar thermal systems into existing and new networks faces several challenges. Expertise on the integration of large solar thermal systems into district networks is limited. Therefore, SHC Task 55 collects and disseminates technical and economic solutions to leverage large-scale solar thermal district heating and cooling systems worldwide.

Task 61 Highlights 2020
February 2021 - PDF 0.24MB

Lighting accounts for approximately 15% of the global electric energy consumption and 5% of greenhouse gas. Projections by the IEA show that if governments only rely on current policies, global electricity use for lighting will grow from around 2,900 TWh to around 4,250 TWh by 2030. Due to the world’s growing population and the increasing demand for electrically driven services in emerging economies, the increase will occur despite constant improvements in the energy efficiency of lighting systems.

During the last years, there has been a shift towards digitalized lighting because of its ability to overcome problems in the integration of daylight and electric lighting.  New technologies equipped with sensors, “intelligent software,” and wireless data communication provide opportunities to bring the disconnected market sectors of electric lighting and façade technology closer together.

Task 62 Highlights 2020
February 2021 - PDF 0.29MB

The use of solar process heat represents a large, but so far largely unused, potential in industry. Innovative and concrete solutions are needed for the long-term and successful introduction of solar thermal energy. The integration of solar process heat to supply technologies for wastewater treatment represents a new field of application with excellent technical and economic potential for solar thermal energy. The efficient interaction, the nexus between solar energy, water and industry opens up new and innovative approaches.

Task 56 Highlights 2020
January 2021 - PDF 0.14MB
Publisher: Task 56

In the residential sector, solar thermal and PV systems are typically placed on building roofs with limited attempts to incorporate them into the building envelope thus creating aesthetic drawbacks and space availability problems. On the contrary, the use of facades is highly unexplored, and daylight control is delegated to individual management of blinds and curtains leading to high thermal loads during mid-seasons and summer.
 

Task 60 Highlights 2020
January 2021 - PDF 0.21MB
Publisher: Task 60

A solar PV/Thermal (PVT) collector produces both heat and electricity. Developments in the solar industry have opened the door for PVT applications:

1. The strong and increasing interest in Building Integrated PV (BIPV) and Façade Integrated PV (FIPV) not only in office and industrial buildings, but also in residential buildings where electricity and heating and sometimes cooling is required.
2. The developments in heat pump technology create more possibilities to make use of the low exergy heat source of uncovered PVT collectors and reduce the energy cost for the user and the need for borehole storage.
3. The low cost of PV technology makes it attractive to combine with thermal.

The HVAC industry, however, is not fully aware of the possibilities and benefits of PVT solutions and SHC Task 60 helped to make the technology more visible. International standards devoted to PVT collectors are now progressing thanks to this Task, this in order to create more confidence in a new technology for solar energy planners and also customers.

Task 58 Highlights 2019
May 2020 - PDF 0.59MB

More than half of our primary energy resources are used to generate heat. Therefore, technologies for increasing the share of sustainable heat sources and for improving the efficiency of thermal systems are of key importance. Thermal energy storage technologies are needed for both – to match the intermittent supply of sustainable heat and cold and to optimize the thermal system performance. Present thermal energy storage technologies based on water perform well, but on a relatively low level of efficiency, particularly for longterm storage. These systems can only be improved marginally thus new materials and systems are needed to enable a breakthrough.

Task 61 Highlights 2019
February 2020 - PDF 0.29MB
Publisher: Task 61

Lighting accounts for approximately 15% of the global electric energy consumption and 5% of greenhouse gas. Projections by the IEA show that if governments only rely on current policies, global electricity use for lighting will grow from around 2,900 TWh to around 4,250 TWh by 2030. Due to the world’s growing population and the increasing demand for electrically driven services in emerging economies, the increase will occur despite constant improvements in the energy efficiency of lighting systems.
 

Task 55 - Highlights 2019
January 2020 - PDF 0.37MB
Publisher: Task 55

Megawatt-scale solar thermal district heating (SDH) systems are gaining increased attention globally. Ambitious projects have already been implemented in numerous countries, including Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Norway. Large-scale SDH systems and their large-sized seasonal storages are attractive options because they offer a cost-effective and low carbon heat supply. Due to this fact, these large systems will become even bigger and likely grow from MEGA to almost GIGA-sized installations, they will be able to meet the increasing energy demand of city districts as well as entire cities.

Task 55 Highlights 2019
January 2020 - PDF 1MB
By: Sabine Putz

Task 56 Highlights 2019
January 2020 - PDF 0.18MB
Publisher: Task 56

SHC Task 56 focuses on simulation, laboratory tests and monitoring of multifunctional envelope systems that use and/or control solar energy, influencing thermal energy demand, thermal energy consumption and comfort of the building. The strategic objective of Task 56 is to coordinate the research and innovation effort taking place within the scientific community and the private sector towards broader utilization of envelope integrated technologies.

Task 60 Highlights 2019
January 2020 - PDF 0.24MB
Publisher: Task 60

The aim of SHC Task 60 is to assess existing PVT solutions and develop new system solutions principles in which the PVT technology offers advantages over the classic “side by side installations” of solar thermal collectors and PV modules. Best practices are not yet widespread for these systems, and so this international collaborative project will help to accelerate the market acceptance of PVT technologies.

Many parameters of a PVT installation must be assessed: heat production, electricity yield, global efficiency, qualitative indicators, user benefits, investment, energy and maintenance costs, and safety and reliability of operation. All of which will be assessed by SHC Task 60 participants as they apply to several typical PVT applications.
 

Task 62 Highlights 2019
January 2020 - PDF 0.18MB
Publisher: Task 62

The change to a sustainable, resource- and energy-efficient industry represents a significant challenge for the coming years. The efficient supply of energy, the best possible integration of renewable energy sources and the recovery of resources in the sense of a circular economy must go hand in hand. The use of solar process heat represents a large, but so far largely unused, potential in industry. Innovative and concrete solutions are needed for the long-term and successful introduction of solar thermal energy. The integration of solar process heat to supply technologies for wastewater treatment represents a new field of application with excellent technical and economic potential for solar thermal energy. The efficient interaction, the nexus between solar energy, water and industry opens up new and innovative approaches.

Task 63 Highlights 2020
January 2020 - PDF 0.18MB
Publisher: Task 63

A large portion of the potential for energy efficiency in existing buildings and the potential to utilize solar energy still remains unused. A combination of making buildings more energyefficient – through refurbishment  interventions and new developments – and increasing the use of renewable energy sources is a key issue to reduce fossil energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, towards a low carbon energy transition. The increased use of solar energy is one of the important development paths, where the urban fabric needs to utilize passive solar gains and daylight to reduce the energy use in buildings, as well as to improve the inhabitants’ comfort in indoor and outdoor areas. In addition, active solar energy systems integrated in the urban context contribute to the production of renewable energy as heat and electricity. All these strategies help cities and citizens in reaching sustainable developments.

Task 58 Highlights 2018
April 2019 - PDF 0.24MB
Publisher: Task 58

More than half of our primary energy resources are used to generate heat. Therefore, technologies for increasing the share of sustainable heat sources and for improving the efficiency of thermal systems are of key importance. Thermal energy storage technologies are needed for both – to match the intermittent supply of sustainable heat and cold and to optimize the thermal system performance. Present thermal energy storage technologies based on water perform well, but on a relatively low level of efficiency, particularly for longterm storage. These systems can only be improved marginally thus new materials and systems are needed to enable a breakthrough.
 

Task 59 Highlights 2018
April 2019 - PDF 0.22MB
Publisher: Task 59

Historic buildings represent a large share of the existing building stock. They are the trademark of numerous cities, and they will only survive if maintained as a living space. In order to preserve this heritage, we need to find conservation compatible energy retrofit approaches and solutions, which allow maintaining the historic and aesthetic values while increasing comfort, lowering energy bills and minimizing environmental impact. 

In the last 10 years a shift in paradigm could be observed: While in times of the first EPBD, a strong opposition from conservators and architects could be observed - "don’t touch these buildings" - there is growing a new openness, a much more constructive approach - "let’s find the right solutions together". Now is an important moment to identify and promote good approaches and solutions.

Task 53 Highlights 2018
February 2019 - PDF 0.31MB
Publisher: Task 53

A tremendous increase in the market for air-conditioning can be observed worldwide especially in developing countries. The results of the past IEA SHC Tasks and work on solar cooling in SHC Task 38: Solar Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration show the large potential of this technology for building air-conditioning, particularly in sunny regions. However, solar thermal cooling faces barriers to emerge as an economically competitive solution. Thus there is a strong need to stimulate the solar cooling sector for small and medium sized systems.

Task 56 Highlights 2018
February 2019 - PDF 0.64MB
Publisher: Task 56

The achievements in Task 56 during 2019 are summarised in this issue. Topics are: SWOT analysis of solar envelope systems, the study of solar envelope solutions for office and residential buildings using building and system numerical simulations and one Industry workshop, organized in collaboration with “Smart Energy Green Cities” in Copenhagen, Denmark, in March 2019.

Task 60 Highlights 2018
February 2019 - PDF 0.89MB
Publisher: Task 60

A solar PV/Thermal (PVT) collector produces both heat and electricity. Two recent developments in the heating industry are opening the door for PVT applications.

1. The strong and increasing interest in Building Integrated PV (BIPV) and Façade Integrated PV (FIPV) not only in office and industrial buildings, but also in residential buildings where electricity and heating and sometimes cooling is required.
2. The developments in heat pump technology create more possibilities to make use of the low exergy heat source of uncovered PVT collectors and reduce the energy cost for the user and the need for borehole storage.

The HVAC industry, however, is not fully aware of the possibilities and benefits of PVT solutions, and international standards are lacking, which creates less confidence for the final PVT customer.

 

Task 55 - Highlights 2018
January 2019 - PDF 0.39MB
By: Sabine Putz, Anna Katharina Provasnek

In recent years, megawatt-scale solar thermal district heating (SDH) systems have gained increasing attention globally. Several ambitious projects were successfully implemented in countries such as Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and Norway. Large-scale SDH systems and their large-sized seasonal storages have become attractive options for cost effective and low carbon heat supply. In the next step, large systems will become even bigger and likely grow from MEGA to almost GIGA-sized installations. These systems will be able to meet the increasing energy demand of city districts and of whole cities. Compared to conventional heat generation systems, the effective operation of a SDH network and its seasonal storage can guarantee a primary energy consumption reduction of >70% in thermal needs. However, the actual integration of large solar thermal systems into existing and new networks faces several challenges. Expertise on the integration of large solar thermal systems into district networks is limited. Therefore, SHC Task 55 collects and disseminates technical and economic solutions to leverage large-scale solar thermal district heating and cooling systems worldwide.

Task 57 Highlights 2018
January 2019 - PDF 1.67MB

When manufacturers of solar thermal products – for example solar collectors – enter new markets, they often need to do re-testing of their products and to have re-inspection of their production facilities. This is required to get local certification and have access to these new
markets.
 

Task 62 Highlights 2018
January 2019 - PDF 0.24MB

IEA SHC Task 55 Trends in April 2018
April 2018 - PDF 0.12MB
By: Anna K. Provasnek, Sabine Putz
Publisher: Operating Agent

The 4th Task 55 Expert Meeting, the SHD DHC Joined Workshop and lates project results are highlihted within the Task 55 Trends Statement in April 2018.

Task 55 Highlights 2017
February 2018 - PDF 0.93MB
In recent years, megawatt-scale solar thermal district heating (SDH) systems have gained increasing attention globally. Several ambitious projects were successfully implemented in countries such as Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and Norway. Large-scale SDH systems and their large-sized seasonal storages have become attractive options for cost effective and low carbon heat supply. In the next step, large systems will become even bigger and likely grow from MEGA to almost GIGA-sized installations. These systems will be able to meet the increasing energy demand of city districts and of whole cities. Compared to conventional heat generation systems, the effective operation of a SDH network and its seasonal storage can guarantee a primary energy consumption reduction of >70% in thermal needs. However, the actual integration of large solar thermal systems into existing and new networks faces several challenges. Expertise on the integration of large solar thermal systems into district networks is limited. Therefore, SHC Task 55 collects and disseminates technical and economic solutions to leverage large-scale solar thermal district heating and cooling systems worldwide.

Task 51 Highlights 2017
January 2018 - PDF 2.21MB
The main objective of SHC Task 51 is to provide support to urban planners, authorities and architects to achieve urban areas, and eventually whole cities, with architecturally integrated solar energy solutions (active and passive) that contribute a large fraction of the renewable energy supply in cities. Results include processes, methods and tools to assist cities with developing a long-term urban energy strategy. Heritage and aesthetic issues and solar fields in sensitive landscapes have also been studied. Additionally, a goal is to prepare for and strengthen solar energy in urban planning education at universities. The material developed will also be useful for post-graduate courses and continuing professional development (CPD).

Task 52 Highlights 2017
January 2018 - PDF 1.1MB
Based on an energy economic analysis - reflecting future changes in the whole energy system - strategies and technical solutions as well as associated chains for energy system analysis will be developed. Further on technically and economically feasible examples of integration of solar thermal systems in urban energy systems will be identified, assessed and documented.

Task 53 Highlights 2017
January 2018 - PDF 0.88MB
A tremendous increase in the market for air-conditioning can be observed worldwide especially in developing countries. The results of the past IEA SHC Tasks and work on solar cooling in SHC Task 38: Solar Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration show the large potential of this technology for building air-conditioning, particularly in sunny regions. However, solar thermal cooling faces barriers to emerge as an economically competitive solution. Thus there is a strong need to stimulate the solar cooling sector for small and medium sized systems.

Task 56 Highlights 2017
January 2018 - PDF 0.67MB
By: Task 56

The achievements in Task 56 during 2017 are summarised in this issue. Task 56 focused on simulation, laboratory tests and monitoring of multifunctional envelope systems. Two industry workshops were arranged. The industry workshop during the Dublin meeting in March 2017 investigated the opportunities and hurdles of solar integrated multifunctional envelopes. During the second workshop in Eindhoven in September, six experts met to discuss their most innovative technologies.

Task 57 Highlights 2017
January 2018 - PDF 3.25MB

When manufacturers of solar thermal products – for example, solar collectors – enter new markets they often need to do re-testing of their products and to have a re-inspection of their production facilities. This is needed in order to obtain local certification and have access to these new markets. To avoid this waste of time and money, international standards for testing are being developed and promoted and a network of professionals has been established with the aim to harmonize certification requirements at the “global level”.

Task 58 Highlights 2017
January 2018 - PDF 0.75MB
More than half of our primary energy resources are used to generate heat. Therefore, technologies for increasing the share of sustainable heat sources and for improving the efficiency of thermal systems are of key importance. Thermal energy storage technologies are needed for both – to match the intermittent supply of sustainable heat and cold and to optimize the thermal system performance. Present thermal energy storage technologies based on water perform well, but on a relatively low level of efficiency, particularly for long-term storage. These systems can only be improved marginally thus new materials and systems are needed to enable a breakthrough.More than half of our primary energy resources are used to generate heat. Therefore, technologies for increasing the share of sustainable heat sources and for improving the efficiency of thermal systems are of key importance. Thermal energy storage technologies are needed for both – to match the intermittent supply of sustainable heat and cold and to optimize the thermal system performance. Present thermal energy storage technologies based on water perform well, but on a relatively low level of efficiency, particularly for long-term storage. These systems can only be improved marginally thus new materials and systems are needed to enable a breakthrough.

Task 51 Highlights 2016
April 2017 - PDF 1.97MB
By: Task 51/Maria Wall
A report on the state-of-the-art in education regarding urban planning with solar energy will be published in early 2017. The main conclusion from this work is that there are many courses dealing with solar energy, but most of these courses are in engineering and architecture programs and focus on the technical aspects of solar energy, such as materials, system components and the construction of solar systems. In urban design and urban planning programs there are only few courses dealing with this topic. Thus, a huge gap is detected in urban planning education. A complementary report is drafted that covers the state-of-the-art on solar tools in education. The review of existing urban planning legislation and voluntary initiatives and of existing urban planning processes in participating countries is now compiled and will be prepared for the SHC review process.

Task 52 Highlights 2016
April 2017 - PDF 2.87MB
By: Task 52
A detailed analysis for the Austrian, Danish, German and Italian situation was done looking for different scenarios for the year 2050. For different shares of district heating and installed photovoltaic capacity potentials for solar heat were calculated using the techno-economic model EnergyPLAN. The results show that the overall share has a potential of 5-8% of the total heat demand.

Task 53 Highlights 2016
April 2017 - PDF 0.53MB
By: Task 53
SHC Task 53, building upon earlier IEA SHC work in this field, is working to find solutions to make solar driven heating and cooling systems cost competitive and to help build a strong and sustainable market for new innovative thermal cooling systems and solar PV.

Task 54 Highlights 2016
April 2017 - PDF 0.73MB

SHC Task 54 aims to reduce the purchase price for end-users of installed solar thermal systems by evaluating and developing sustainable means to reduce the production and/or installation costs of materials, sub-components and system components. Special emphasis is being placed on the identification and reduction of post-production cost drivers (e.g., channels of distribution). An extensive market research, the definition of reference systems, cost analyses and the study of socio-political boundary conditions for solar thermal prices in selected regions will provide the basis for the evaluation of cost structures and cost reduction potential. Additionally, ways to make solar thermal more attractive by improving marketing and consumer-oriented designs are being explored.

Task 55 Highlights 2016
April 2017 - PDF 0.86MB
By: Task 55
SHC Task 55 aims to provide a platform for practitioners and scientists to elaborate on the benefits and challenges of SDH and SDC systems. It elaborates on options and measures to realize sophisticated SDH and SDC systems by focusing on characteristics of solar thermal systems, technical and economic specifications of district heating networks that are relevant for the integration of solar thermal systems and hybrid technologies, analyses of system components and their integration, modular designs of large SDH/SDC systems, and economic requirements of large SDH/SDC systems in different market regions. Finally, SHC Task 55 is a collaborative project with the IEA Technology Collaboration Programme on District Heating and Cooling including Combined Heat and Power (IEA DHC).

Task 56 Highlights 2016
April 2017 - PDF 1.8MB
By: Task 56

SHC Task 56 focuses on the analysis, simulation, laboratory testing and onsite monitoring of active envelope solutions that are integrated with building HVAC and comfort systems faced with one of the following: Delivering renewable thermal or/and electric energy to the building’s systems providing heating, cooling and ventilation, or reducing a building’s heating and cooling demands while controlling daylight.

Task 46: Highlights 2015
May 2016 - PDF 0.26MB
Knowledge of solar energy resources is critical when designing, financing, and operating successful solar water heating systems, concentrating solar power systems, and photovoltaic systems. However, due to their dependence on weather phenomena the energy output from these technologies can be highly variable, especially in situations where storage is not available to smooth out this variability. Accurate solar resource assessment and reliable solar power forecasting are important tools not only for system design and operation, but also for system financing.

Task 43: Highlights 2015
April 2016 - PDF 0.25MB
Performance test procedures and characterization equations were originally developed for typical solar collector types under well-defined standard test conditions. In addition, short-term tests were developed to predict the long-term durability of standard collectors and systems. Presently, national and international test laboratories in many IEA participant countries use these test procedures and characterization equations in order to determine a solar thermal product's performance and compliance with required safety and reliability standards. While there is a solid common foundation for most test procedures, certification bodies for Europe, North America, Australia, China and Europe and the laboratories that they work with have diverged in how tests are implemented in some areas, and the introduction of new products have introduced new challenges that are not always addressed in the same way.

Task 48 Highlights 2015
April 2016 - PDF 0.27MB
The demand for air-conditioning is rapidly increasing, especially in developing countries. And the potential for solar cooling to meet this demand is immense. The results of past IEA SHC work in this field (most recently, SHC Task 38: Solar Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration) have demonstrated the technology’s potential for building air-conditioning, particularly in sunny regions, and identified work needed to achieve economically competitive systems that provide solid long-term energy performance and reliability.

Task 49 Highlights 2015
April 2016 - PDF 0.23MB
Solar Heat for Industrial Processes (SHIP) is currently at the early stages of development, but is considered to have huge potential for solar thermal applications. Currently, 120 operating solar thermal systems for process heat are reported worldwide, with a total capacity of about 88 MWth (125,000 m2). The first applications have been experimental and relatively small in scale. In recent years, significantly larger solar thermal fields have been applied and are currently in the project pipeline. There is great potential for this market and technological developments as 28% of the overall energy demand in the EU27 countries originates in the industrial sector and the majority of this is heat of below 250°C.

Task 50 Highlights 2015
Advanced Lighting Solutions for Retrofitting Buildings
April 2016 - PDF 1.21MB
Lighting accounts for approximately 19% (~3000 TWh) of global electric energy consumption. Without essential changes in policies, markets and practical implementations, it is expected to continuously grow despite significant and rapid technical improvements like solid-state lighting, new façades and light management techniques. Major lighting energy savings can be realized by retrofitting existing out-of-date lighting installations, as new solutions allow a significant increase in efficiency along with highly interesting payback times. However, lighting refurbishments are still lagging behind compared to what is economically and technically possible and feasible.

Task 51 Highlights 2015
April 2016 - PDF 0.12MB
By: Task 51/Maria Wall
The main objective of SHC Task 51 is to provide support to urban planners, authorities and architects to achieve urban areas, and eventually whole cities, with architecturally integrated solar energy solutions (active and passive) that contribute a large fraction of the renewable energy supply in cities. Results will include processes, methods and tools to assist cities with developing a long-term urban energy strategy.

Task 52 Highlights 2015
April 2016 - PDF 0.96MB
By: Task 52
A framework for energy system analysis was set up using different modelling approaches. A detailed analysis for the German situation was done looking for different scenarios for the year 2050. For different shares of district heating and installed photovoltaic capacity potentials for solar heat were calculated using the techno-economic model ReMod-D. First results show that for more or less similar costs for the over-all energy system, solar thermal might play a role when the installed PV-capacity is lower than 200 GW.

Task 53 Highlights 2015
April 2016 - PDF 0.21MB
A tremendous increase in the market for air-conditioning can be observed worldwide especially in developing countries. The results of the past IEA SHC Tasks and work on solar cooling in SHC Task 38: Solar Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration show the large potential of this technology for building air-conditioning, particularly in sunny regions. However, solar thermal cooling faces barriers to emerge as an economically competitive solution. Thus there is a strong need to stimulate the solar cooling sector for small and medium sized systems.

Task 54 Highlights 2015
April 2016 - PDF 0.72MB
One of the greatest challenges of the 21st century is to secure a sustainable energy supply and to considerably reduce CO2 emissions and the potential serious consequences of climate change. The challenging goals with regard to the contributions of renewable energy cannot be obtained without considerable growth of the solar thermal markets worldwide. Therefore, cost-competitive, efficient and reliable solar thermal systems are required. The first of these attributes is particularly hard to achieve as the prices for the production of solar thermal systems are still far from being equalled by the prices end-users have to pay. A great number of complex, costly and oftentimes non-transparent work steps are needed in order to bring solar thermal from the factory to the actual users. Task 54 is looking for ways to optimize each of these steps and is also looking into the social political contexts in which solar thermal installations are embedded. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the solar thermal industry by finding solutions for the cost-efficient production and installation of solar thermal systems and their marketing at a competitive price.

Task 47 Highlights 2014
May 2015 - PDF 1.2MB
By: Task 47
The EU Parliament approved in April 2009 a recommendation that member states have to set intermediate goals for existing buildings as a fixed minimum percentage of buildings to be net zero energy by 2015 and 2020. For the existing non-residential buildings, a dramatic reduction in primary energy consumption is crucial to achieve this goal. A few renovation projects have demonstrated that total primary energy consumption can be drastically reduced together with improvements of the indoor climate. However, most property owners are not even aware that such savings are possible, and they set too conservative energy targets. Buildings renovated to mediocre performance can be a lost opportunity for decades. It is therefore important that building owners are aware of such successes and set ambitious targets.

Task 51 Highlights 2014
March 2015 - PDF 0.19MB
By: Task 51/Maria Wall
A report on the state-of-the-art in education regarding urban planning with solar energy will be published in 2016. The main conclusion from this work is that there are many courses dealing with solar energy, but most of these courses are in engineering and architecture programs and focus on the technical aspects of solar energy, such as materials, system components and the construction of solar systems. In urban design and urban planning programs there are only few courses dealing with this topic. Thus, a huge gap is detected in urban planning education.

Task 53 Highlights 2014
March 2015 - PDF 0.15MB
A tremendous increase in the market for air-conditioning can be observed worldwide especially in developing countries. The results of the past IEA SHC Tasks and work on solar cooling in SHC Task 38: Solar Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration show the large potential of this technology for building air-conditioning, particularly in sunny regions. However, solar thermal cooling faces barriers to emerge as an economically competitive solution. Thus there is a strong need to stimulate the solar cooling sector for small and medium sized systems.

Task 43 Highlights 2014
February 2015 - PDF 0.31MB
Performance test procedures and characterization equations were originally developed for typical solar collector types under well-defined standard test conditions. In addition, short-term tests were developed to predict the long-term durability of standard collectors and systems. Presently, national and international test laboratories in many IEA participant countries use these test procedures and characterization equations in order to determine a solar thermal product's performance and compliance with required safety and reliability standards. While there is a solid common foundation for most test procedures, certification bodies for Europe, North America, Australia, China and Europe and the laboratories that they work with have diverged in how tests are implemented in some areas, and the introduction of new products have introduced new challenges that are not always addressed in the same way.

Task 45 Highlights 2014
February 2015 - PDF 0.49MB
Large solar heating and cooling systems are very cost effective in some applications, for example supplying heat to an existing district heating system. The market for “Solar District Heating Systems” is developing fast in northern Europe as well as in China – and has big potential in other places. Use of seasonal storage and heat pumps makes it possible to obtain a high solar fraction (> 50%) and to interact with and level out dynamics in the electricity grid (these dynamics are increasing due to increased supply from wind turbines and PV systems). Solar district heating systems are getting rather large (a 50 MW solar collector field with a 200,000 m3 water pit storage in Denmark will begin operation in the spring of 2015).

Task 46 Highlights 2014
February 2015 - PDF 1.02MB
Knowledge of solar energy resources is critical when designing, building and operating successful solar water heating systems, concentrating solar power systems, and photovoltaic systems. However, due to their dependence on weather phenomena the energy output from these technologies can be highly variable, especially in situations where storage is not available to smooth out this variability. Accurate solar resource assessment and reliable solar power forecasting are important tools not only for system design, but also for system operators in matching loads at any given time with the solar energy technologies available. Reliable solar data and data products are essential for optimizing the value of these technologies in meeting clean energy goals and lowering the overall cost of energy.

Task 48 Highlights 2014
February 2015 - PDF 0.13MB
The demand for air-conditioning is rapidly increasing, especially in developing countries. And the potential for solar cooling to meet this demand is immense. The results of past IEA SHC work in this field (most recently, SHC Task 38: Solar Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration) have demonstrated the technology’s potential for building air-conditioning, particularly in sunny regions, and identified work needed to achieve economically competitive systems that provide solid long-term energy performance and reliability.

Task 49 Highlights 2014
February 2015 - PDF 0.69MB
Solar Heat for Industrial Processes (SHIP) is currently at the early stages of development, but is considered to have huge potential for solar thermal applications. Currently, 120 operating solar thermal systems for process heat are reported worldwide, with a total capacity of about 88 MWth (125,000 m2). The first applications have been experimental and relatively small scale. In recent years, significantly bigger solar thermal fields have been applied and are currently in the project pipeline. There is great potential for this market and technological developments, as 28% of the overall energy demand in the EU27 countries originates in the industrial sector, and the majority of this is heat of below 250°C. In several specific industry sectors, such as food, wine and beverages, transport equipment, machinery, textiles, pulp and paper, the share of heat demand at low and medium temperatures (below 250°C) is around 60%. Tapping into this potential would provide a significant solar contribution to industrial energy requirements.

Task 50 Highlights 2014
Advanced Lighting Solutions for Retrofitting Buildings
February 2015 - PDF 0.21MB
Lighting accounts for approximately 19% (~3000 TWh) of global electric energy consumption. Without essential changes in policies, markets and practical implementations, it is expected to continuously grow despite significant and rapid technical improvements like solid-state lighting, new façades and light management techniques. Major lighting energy savings can be realized by retrofitting existing out-of-date lighting installations, as new solutions allow a significant increase in efficiency along with highly interesting payback times. However, lighting refurbishments are still lagging behind compared to what is economically and technically possible and feasible.

Task 52 Highlights 2014
February 2015 - PDF 0.39MB
By: Task 52
A framework for energy system analysis was set up using different modeling approaches. And, the EnergyPLAN by Aalborg University in Denmark will be used as the Reference Model.

Task 39 Highlights 2013
Polymeric Materials for Solar Thermal Applications
February 2014 - PDF 0.18MB
One of the greatest challenges of the 21st century is to secure sustainable and save energy supply and to considerably reduce CO2 emissions and the potential serious consequences of climate change. The challenging goals with regard to the contributions of renewable energies cannot be obtained without a considerable growth of the solar thermal markets worldwide. Therefore, reliable, efficient and cost-competitive system components are required in large quantities. Today solar thermal collectors mainly consist of glass and metals whereas especially market prices for metals are subject to big fluctuations. These issues demand the introduction of new materials, of which polymers seem to have a strong preference with regard to mass-production techniques, new design freedom, cost- and weight reduction.

Task 40 Highlights 2013
Towards Net-­-Zero Energy Solar Buildings
February 2014 - PDF 0.18MB
Energy use in buildings worldwide accounts for over 40% of primary energy use and 24% of greenhouse gas emissions. Several International Energy Agency (IEA) countries have adopted a vision of so-called ‘net zero energy buildings’ as a longterm goal of their energy policies. However, what is missing is a clear definition and international agreement on the measures of building performance that could inform 'zero energy’ building policies, programs and industry adoption around the world.

Task 44 Highlights 2013
Solar and Heat Pump Systems
February 2014 - PDF 0.25MB
Combining solar and heat pump technologies is relevant in several aspects: a high renewable fraction can be achieved (solar + the heat pump heat source) and the safety of the solution makes it a good choice for many homeowners. The solar heat can help enhance the performance of the heat pump by raising the evaporation temperature. And the solar heat can be stored at low temperatures (0-80° C) thus making good use of the collectors even during the cold season, cloudy days or at night. A good use of the latent heat of water changed into ice around 0° C can also be achieved.

Task 46 Highlights 2013
Solar Resource Assessment and Forecasting
February 2014 - PDF 0.35MB
Knowledge of solar energy resources is critical when designing, building and operating successful solar water heating systems, concentrating solar power systems, and photovoltaic systems. However, due to their dependence on weather phenomena the energy output from these technologies can be highly variable, especially in situations where storage is not available to smooth out this variability. Accurate solar resource assessment and reliable solar power forecasting are important tools not only for system design, but also for system operators in matching loads at any given time with the solar energy technologies available. Reliable solar data and data products are essential for optimizing the value of these technologies in meeting clean energy goals and lowering the overall cost of energy.

Task 47 Highlight 2013
Renovation of Non-­-Residential Buildings towards Sustainable Standards
February 2014 - PDF 0.35MB
The EU Parliament approved in April 2009 a recommendation that member states have to set intermediate goals for existing buildings as a fixed minimum percentage of buildings to be net zero energy by 2015 and 2020. For the existing non-residential buildings, a dramatic reduction in primary energy consumption is crucial to achieve this goal. A few renovation projects have demonstrated that total primary energy consumption can be drastically reduced together with improvements of the indoor climate. However, most property owners are not even aware that such savings are possible, and they set energy targets that are too conservative. Buildings renovated to mediocre performance can be a lost opportunity for decades. It is therefore important that building owners are aware of such successes and set ambitious targets.

Task 48 Highlights 2013
Quality Assurance and Support Measures for Solar Cooling
February 2014 - PDF 0.3MB
The demand for air-conditioning is rapidly increasing, especially in developing countries. And the potential for solar cooling to meet this demand is immense. The results of past IEA SHC work in this field (most recently, SHC Task 38: Solar Air- Conditioning and Refrigeration) have demonstrated the technology’s potential for building air-conditioning, particularly in sunny regions, and identified work needed to achieve economically competitive systems that provide solid long-term energy performance and reliability.

Task 50 Highlights 2013
Advanced Lighting Solutions for Retrofitting Buildings
February 2014 - PDF 0.5MB
Lighting accounts for approximately 19% (~3000 TWh) of the global electric energy consumption. Without essential changes in policies, markets and practical implementations, it is expected to continuously grow despite significant and rapid technical improvements like solid-state lighting, new façade and light management techniques. Major lighting energy savings can be realized by retrofitting existing out of date lighting installations, as new solutions allow a significant increase in efficiency combined with highly interesting payback times. However, lighting refurbishments are still lagging behind compared to what is economically and technically possible and feasible.

Task 49 Highlights 2012
January 2014 - PDF 0.15MB
By: Task 49
The identification of the requirements of the so called “process heat collectors” that run at higher temperatures will lead to new collector and collector loop developments. To achieve this not only do solar collectors need to be improved, but also production processes need a thorough investigation in order to lower the process temperatures and increase the heat transfer. In several specific industry sectors, such as food, wine and beverages, transport equipment, machinery, textiles, pulp and paper, the share of heat demand at low and medium temperatures (below 250°C) is around 60%. Tapping into this potential would provide a significant solar contribution to industrial energy requirements.

Task 49 Highlights 2013
January 2014 - PDF 0.13MB
By: Task 49
Solar Heat for Industrial Processes (SHIP) is currently at the early stages of development, but is considered to have huge potential for solar thermal applications. Currently, 120 operating solar thermal systems for process heat are reported worldwide, with a total capacity of about 88 MWth (125,000 m2). The first applications have been experimental and relatively small scale. In recent years, significantly bigger solar thermal fields have been applied and are currently in the project pipeline. There is great potential for this market and technological developments, as 28% of the overall energy demand in the EU27 countries originates in the industrial sector, and the majority of this is heat of below 250°C.

Task 42 Highlights 2012
February 2013 - PDF 3.28MB

To reach high solar fractions, it is necessary to store heat or cold efficiently for longer periods of time. At this time, there are no cost-effective compact storage technologies available. For high solar fraction systems, hot water stores are expensive and require very large volumes of space. Alternative storage technologies, such as phase change materials (PCMs), sorption materials and thermochemical materials (TCMs) are only available at the laboratory scale, and more R&D is needed before they are available commercially.

Task 47 Highlights 2012
February 2013 - PDF 0.33MB

The EU Parliament approved in April 2009 a recommendation that member states have to set intermediate goals for existing buildings as a fixed minimum percentage of buildings to be net zero energy by 2015 and 2020.

Task 39 Highlights 2012
January 2013 - PDF 0.1MB
One of the greatest challenges of the 21st century is to secure sustainable and save energy supply and to considerably reduce CO2 emissions and the potential serious consequences of climate change. The challenging goals with regard to the contributions of renewable energies cannot be obtained without a considerable growth of the solar thermal markets worldwide. Therefore, reliable, efficient and cost-competitive system components are required in large quantities. Today solar thermal collectors mainly consist of glass and metals whereas especially market prices for metals are subject to big fluctuations.

Task 40 Highlights 2012
January 2013 - PDF 0.54MB

Energy use in buildings worldwide accounts for over 40% of primary energy use and 24% of greenhouse gas emissions. Several International Energy Agency (IEA) countries have adopted a vision of so-called ‘net zero energy buildings’ as a long-term goal of their energy policies. However, what is missing is a clear definition and international agreement on the measures of building performance that could inform ‘zero energy’ building policies, programs and industry adoption around the world.

Task 41 Highlights 2012
January 2013 - PDF 0.12MB

Our vision - and the opportunity - is to make architectural design a driving force for the use of solar energy. Solar energy use can be an important part of the building design and the building's energy balance to a much higher extent than it is today. The development towards zero energy buildings will cause a more frequent use of building integrated solar energy systems. Due to the large size of such systems in relation to the scale of the building envelope, the architectural quality of their integration has a major impact on the final architectural quality of the building. Many solar systems do exist on the market, and with better and better energy performance. But, if they are not designed to be integrated into buildings in an appealing way, probably no building permit will be given, at least not in urban areas. And then – what is the use of a highly efficient collector if it will not be used?

Task 44 Highlights 2012
January 2013 - PDF 0.44MB
Combining solar and heat pump technologies is relevant in several aspects: a high renewable fraction can be achieved, the flexibility of the solution makes it a good choice for many homeowners, the solar heat can help enhance the performance of the heat pump by raising the evaporation temperature, the solar heat can be stored at low temperature (0-20 C) thus making good use of the collectors even during the cold season, cloudy days or at night, and a good use of the latent heat of 1 m3 of water changed into ice.

Task 46 Highlights 2012
January 2013 - PDF 0.23MB

Knowledge of solar energy resources is critical when designing, building and operating successful solar water heating systems, concentrating solar power systems, and photovoltaic systems. However, due to their dependence on weather phenomena the energy output from these technologies can be highly variable, especially in situations where storage is not available to smooth out this variability. High penetrations of these technologies will then require utilities to be able to predict their availability to meet varying load demands. Solar resource and solar power forecasting is an important tool being made available to system operators to assist them in matching load fluctuations with the solar energy technologies available to them, thereby optimizing the value of these technologies in meeting clean energy goals.

Task 48 Highlights 2012
January 2013 - PDF 0.17MB
The demand for air-conditioning is rapidly increasing, especially in developing countries. And the potential for solar cooling to meet this demand is immense. The results of past IEA SHC work in this field (most recently, SHC Task 38: Solar Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration) have demonstrated the technology’s potential for building air-conditioning, particularly in sunny regions, and identified work needed to achieve economically competitive systems that provide solid long-term energy performance and reliability.

Task 44 Highlights 2011
March 2012 - PDF 0.2MB
Combining solar and heat pump technologies is relevant in several aspects: a high renewable fraction can be achieved, the flexibility of the solution makes it a good choice for many homeowners, the solar heat can help enhance the performance of the heat pump by raising the evaporation temperature, the solar heat can be stored at low temperature (0-20 C) thus making good use of the collectors even during the cold season, cloudy days or at night, and a good use of the latent heat of 1 m3 of water changed into ice.

Task 48 Highlights 2011
January 2012 - PDF 0.48MB
The demand for air-conditioning is rapidly increasing, especially in developing countries. And the potential for solar cooling to meet this demand is immense. The results of past IEA SHC work in this field (most recently, SHC Task 38: Solar Air- Conditioning and Refrigeration) have demonstrated the technology’s potential for building air-conditioning, particularly in sunny regions, and identified work needed to achieve economically competitive systems that provide solid long-term energy performance and reliability.