Aberdeen based JCE Energy has launched what could be a world's first using solar energy in remote areas of the globe.

The Solar Power Pod (SPP), which has huge export potential and could create invaluable new jobs in Aberdeen, was unveiled by Jim Craig, managing director of JCE Energy, at the All-Energy '09 renewable energy exhibition and conference in Aberdeen.

Mr Craig, who is also the managing director of the JCE Group of companies - a world leader in control systems for hazardous environments, explains: "The export potential for the solar power pod is huge - especially in all the regions which enjoy lots of sunshine but are lacking in infrastructure and are extremely remote."

The SPP will be manufactured at the JCE Group HQ at Blackburn Industrial Estate, Aberdeen, and although the number of new jobs will depend on orders, Mr Craig anticipates setting-up a production line with an initial workforce of at least 15.

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To date, all the research and development work has been met by in-house funding. However, if the SPP attracts large orders, the company will seek substantial external financial backing. It is currently working with Scottish Enterprise in devising a marketing programme.

The solar panel pod, which was designed by Jim Craig, takes rays from the sun and converts them to energy in the form of units of electricity. Among the industries to which it could prove most useful are those with bases in unmanned locations where explosive gases are likely to be present - including oil-wells, pumping stations, production facilities, effluent plants and fuel storage, to name but a few. These locations lack conventional power and sourcing labour is difficult.

The easily-assembled, transportable SPP is basically a compact solar power supply unit which comes with a solar panel to convert solar energy into electricity. It has a battery pack to store energy during periods of darkness or shade, and a solar control unit- providing battery management, monitoring and protection. The control unit can also include power conversion to provide regulated ac or dc output if required.

Mr Craig explained: "The SPP was designed as a result of discussions on solar power issues with our clients. We were asked to certify a panel for use in a Zone 1 hazardous area, and since then we have supplied individual panels to various clients around the globe. The next obvious stage was to produce the complete package - hence the creation of the Solar Power Pod."

(GK/JM)