Some barriers for the development and diffusion of the technology have been identified, such as:

• systems’ costs, which are extremely high compared to standard cooling appliances

• few experiences and realised applications

• lack of monitoring data and follow up activities

However, regardless of the relatively small number of SAC systems already installed, a trend toward the increase of the SAC market has been registered.

1. Scarce availability of information and knowledge

Difficulties have been encountered in the collection of market data and information in the partner countries (both from a technical and economical point of view; they are also due to the different quality and definitions of relevant information). Nevertheless, precious information was collected which allows a better planning and strategy for the project development.

Moreover, lack of knowledge has been registered among technicians, investors and market actors. At the same time also a strong interest among these target groups has been recognised. This underlines the importance of developing tailored training materials and courses as well as the continuous exchange with stakeholders and within the project consortium.

2. Public interest

There is an increasing interest on SAC technology also in the general public. Reasons can be identified inter alia in the climate change (which has become perceptible also in Northern European countries), in new building regulations including EE and RES minimum requirements, in rising prices for oil and electricity and in environmental awareness.

This is also attested by the interest and several contacts through the project website.

As consequence the awareness campaign is of special importance.

References

[1] Hans-Martin Henning (Ed.), Solar Assisted Air-Conditioning in Buildings — A Handbook for Planners, Springer Wien/New York; ISBN 3-211-00647-8

[2] Promoting Solar-Air Conditioning. Supported by the European Commission. www. raee. org/climatisationsolaire

[3] Hans-Martin Henning, Solar Assisted Air-Conditioning of Buildings — An Overview, Journal of Applied Thermal Engineering, 27 (2007), 1734-1749.

[4] Task 38, Solar Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration, located in the Heating & Cooling (SHC) Programme of the International Energy Agency IEA. www. iea-shc-task38.org .

[5] Edo Wiemken (Ed.) (2008), Best Practice Catalogue on Successful Running Solar Air-Conditioning Appliances, http://www. solair-proiect. eu/uploads/media/Best Practice Catalogue EN. pdf (05.08.2008)

[6] Edo Wiemken (Ed.) (2008a), Survey of Available Technical Solutions and Successful Running Systems. Cross-Country Analysis, http://www. solair-proiect. eu/uploads/media/Survey cross country. pdf

(05.08.2008)

[7] R. Battisti et al. (2008), Market Report for Small and Medium-Sized Solar Air-Conditioning Appliances. Analysis of Market Potential, http://www. solair-proiect. eu/uploads/media/Market analysis EN. pdf

(05.08.2008)