Sydney-based climate-tech startup Coolsheet has launched a commercial-scale pilot of its photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system at the iconic North Sydney Olympic Pool. The company’s patented aluminium heat-exchange panel upgrades standard solar modules into high-efficiency hybrid PVT systems, suitable for both new installations and retrofits.
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Dual-output renewable system
The installation comprises 206 × 550 W PV modules, producing about 114 kW of electricity and two to three times more in usable heat. This dual capacity allows the pool to maintain year-round temperatures for over three million litres of water across five pools, supporting North Sydney Council’s carbon neutrality goal for 2035.
“As the site now nears completion, it’s clear it will be a world-class facility showcasing how renewable heat can be built into public infrastructure,” said Founder and CTO of Coolsheet, Tom Hoole.
The Coolsheet system offsets its own circulation pump load by generating additional electricity through panel cooling, creating a self-sustaining energy loop.
R&D-backed innovation
Coolsheet’s breakthrough is rooted in five years of collaboration with the University of New South Wales. Traditional PV modules convert just 23–26 per cent of sunlight into electricity, wasting around 75 per cent as heat. Coolsheet’s lightweight “water jacket” captures that heat, storing it in hot water tanks or pre-heating heat pumps.
Crucially, cooler cells perform better: every 10°C reduction can boost output by 4 per cent, and in hot Australian conditions, that means up to a 15 per cent performance gain—while also extending panel life.
Moving industries off gas
“The economics of gas no longer stack up for heating water, even before you factor in its outsized impact on emissions,” said Chairman Doug Smith. He added, “With structural supply shortages forecast for Australia and New Zealand from 2027/28 and process heat accounting for nearly 50 per cent of industry energy use, our mission at Coolsheet has sharpened to helping commercial customers get off gas.”
Target markets include food and beverage processing, greenhouses, laundries, hotels, and aquatic centres. With AUD 2 million (USD 1.3 million) in founder capital and grants secured, the company is now scaling local manufacturing.
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