From the importance of tackling heat-related emissions to groundbreaking projects like the British Library’s solar thermal installation, this conversation dives deep into the challenges and innovations shaping the future of sustainable energy.

“About 50% of primary energy and greenhouse gas emissions are tied to heating. Solar thermal can play a huge role in reducing that.” – Dr. Alex Mellor

In this episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca speaks with Dr. Alex Mellor, Director of Engineering at Naked Energy, about the critical role of solar thermal technology in decarbonising heat.

As a passionate environmentalist and solar energy expert, Dr. Mellor shares insights into how Naked Energy’s cutting-edge Virtu technology is revolutionising solar heating for commercial and industrial applications.

Dr. Alex Mellor Interview Release Date: 25th February 2025

Why You Should Listen:

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  Learn why decarbonising heat is essential in the fight against climate change.

  
  


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  Understand how solar thermal technology works and its real-world applications.

  
  


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  Get inspired by innovative solutions that make renewable energy accessible and efficient.

  
  


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  Hear firsthand how businesses and institutions can implement sustainable heating solutions.

  
  

“It’s incredibly satisfying to see our work on rooftops, actively reducing emissions and making a real impact.” – Dr. Alex Mellor

Key Topics Discussed:

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  Dr. Alex Mellor’s Journey – His path from academia to leading engineering efforts at Naked Energy.

  
  


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  The Role of Solar Thermal Technology – Understanding how solar heat contributes to global decarbonisation.

  
  


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  Virtu Technology – Exploring Virtu PVT (photovoltaic-thermal) and Virtu Hot solutions.

  
  


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  Challenges in Scaling Solar Thermal – Overcoming barriers in adoption, perception, and technology implementation.

  
  


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  The British Library Project – A deep dive into the UK’s largest solar thermal installation.

  
  


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  Global Expansion of Naked Energy – Strategies for adapting to different climates and markets.

  
  


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  Future Innovations in Renewable Heat – Exciting developments in solar cooling and heat storage.

  
  

“Solar heat is not just for southern climates—countries like Austria and Denmark lead in its adoption. The UK and others can follow suit.” – Dr. Alex Mellor

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About Dr. Alex Mellor

Dr. Alex Mellor is Director of Engineering at Naked Energy. He started out in solar R&D, before joining Naked Energy in 2018, where his role spans product development, customer engagement and project delivery.

Following a lifelong passion for solar, he has become fascinated by how we use heat across society, and how innovative technology can be brought to bear on its decarbonisation.

Prior to joining Naked Energy, Alex was a Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow at Imperial College, and a visiting researcher at Fraunhofer-Institut, Germany; he holds a PhD in Solar Energy Technology from the Institute of Solar Energy in Madrid, Spain.

Alex has authored 2 patents and 21 published papers on PV-T technology, high-efficiency PV, off-grid systems for rural areas and PV for space power, as well as a book on quantum solar cells.

His passion for outreach saw him perform spectroscopy on the 16th century armour of Lord Buckhursts for the Wallace Collec