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 | | ARVAL LAUNCHES SOLAR ROOFING AND CLADDING SYSTEM | | | Arcelor Construction | | 18/03/2008 | | | An award-winning building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) steel roofing and cladding sheet that saves a tonne of carbon for every 1.5 metres installed has been launched by the Arval brand of Arcelor Construction UK.
“Arsolar” won the gold medal first prize for innovation at the Batimat exhibition in Paris late last year based on its “plug and play” ability to be used on a wide range of roofs and facades ranging from small housing developments to large commercial solar-electric stations.
The six-inch crystalline silicium photovoltaic cells are laminated onto specially designed galvanised profiled steel sheets that are available in a variety of Arcelor’s renowned HairExcel Granite coated colours. Foot traffic is subject to the usual precautions – no more, no less.
Each nine-cell module is pre-wired and fully equipped with cables and connectors as well as specially perforated spacer purlins and hoods for the optimum ventilation to aid solar gain. Arval estimates that a single module would be capable of generating up to 130 watts of power and a double up to 260 watts.
A 3,000-watt or 45m² installation prevents the discharge of 30 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to that emitted by a car travelling 100,000 miles. Arval also estimates that a 60,000-watt or 1,000m² installation in Lyon, for instance, would generate approximately 65,000KWh per year. A 150,000-watt installation in the hottest countries in the world could generate almost 250,000KWh per year.
Weighing just 20kg/m², the system can be installed quickly and easily on roofs as shallow as 6º in either single or double modules of 36 or 72 cells. Three sub-systems are available – with rigid or mineral wool insulation or without insulation.
An inverter converts the direct current into an alternating current that can then be resold to the grid or stored in batteries.
Like all Arval systems, Arsolar comes complete with impressive warranties – 25 years at up to 80% power capability for the photovoltaic cells and 20 years for the steel sheets.
Training and information modules for architects and specifiers, main contractors, installers, building owners and end users are available from Arval who also work with installers to design the correct laying out of the system. | |
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