| 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. |
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|
“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. |
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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. |
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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. |
