Contact us today to visit the solar energy house and get extensive hints, tips and notes for free as part of the tour...
Solar Electric Power Generation Systems:
Solar Energy House C/- Simon & Kristina Cope | 19 Manapau Street, Meadowbank, Auckland 1072 | New Zealand | Contact us now to arrange your tour
Amorphous SIlicon Makes the Difference!
With many of silicon-cell-based solar electric power generation systems available, why did Canon choose amorphous silicon? This question can be answered with technical explanations and statistics, but the bottom line is that amorphous silicon, and Canon's almost two decades of experience working with this material in photosensitive drums for copying machines, provided the ideal means to bring solar elecric power generation within easy reach of homeowners everywhere.
A Versatile Material
Emphasis on Affordability
Strong Basic Technologies
One look at our solar panels reveals their versatility. These products are thin, flexible and easy to handle, which means that installation is fast and simple. What's more, unlike conventional glass- covered panels, our products are light and durable enough to be integrated with roofing materials, actually becoming part of the roof, or turned into protable power generators that can be installed almost anywhere.
Our solar panels require much less silicon than crystalline-type products, and less energy is consumed in the production of individual solar cells. In other words, Canon has realised the ideal solar electric power generation system, which meets society's needs for power while contributing to its goal of conserving resources. What's more, Canon solar cells pay for themselves in terms of energy output in a considerably shorter period than crystalline-silicon solar cells.
Canon / UniSolar solar PV modules are produced using several important proprietary technologies. One is the continuous roll-to-roll deposition method, in which layers of amorphous silicon are continuously deposited on a seamless, stainless sheet-substrate. This method enhances overall production efficiency.
Also, Canon / Unisolar PV panels adopt a triple-cell construction, consisting of a top, middle and bottom cell. Each cell is able to capture sunlight in various wavelengths, thereby increasing overall energy-conversion efficiency.
These and other technologies are used in the massproduction of solar panels by Canon and U.S.-based United Solar Systems Corp., a joint venture company that produces and markets solar panels, established with Energy Conversion Devices Inc.
Canon Reliability and Easy Integration
Our stepped roof-integrated solar panels generate power cleanly and efficiently without affecting the aesthetic aspects of this roofing style, which is among the most popular metal roof style in Japan. We produce panels in a variety of lengths to meet every roofing need.
These solar panels simulate batten seam metal roofing, emphasising dynamic vertical lines. The vertical edges of each solar panel are bent upward, and the panels themselves are installed according to conventional methods, protecting the roof and removing the need for any other roofing materials.
Our flat roof solar panels are ideal for use with large facilities, where they can actually enhance roof appearance. Roof-integrated solar panels in this line are notable for their flat surfaces, with few protrusions. We produce them to dimensions specified by the customer.
Our Goals Are Aesthetic Integration and Efficiency
Canon roof-integrated solar panels are designed to look and function as attractive roofing components for the homes in which they are installed. They are thin, flexible and light, adding no unnecessary weight or bulk to roofs. They are also laminated with advanced polymers, making them highly water-resistant, durable and resilient in high temperatures, and are manufactured with uniform dimensions for easy incorporation into construction plans. For these reasons, our roof-integrated solar panels cost less to install than other products and save users the double expense of installing roofing and solar panels separately.
Photo Gallery | Solar Roof | Making Solar Tiles | Integrated PV + Roof | Canon / UniSolar PV Roofing | Installing A Solar Roof | Attic | Insulation Walls |
Sound Dampening | Underfloor Heating | Space Heating | Double Glazing | Heat Recovery & Ventilation | Design For Maximum Morning Sun | Kitchen |
Appliances Energy Efficient | Using Rain Water | Rain Harvesting | We Used Concrete Tank | Tank Installation Hints | Reticulation of Rain Water
Photo Gallery | Solar Roof | Making Solar Tiles | Integrated PV + Roof | Canon / UniSolar PV Roofing | Installing A Solar Roof | Attic | Insulation Walls |
Sound Dampening | Underfloor Heating | Space Heating | Double Glazing | Heat Recovery & Ventilation | Design For Maximum Morning Sun | Kitchen |
Appliances Energy Efficient | Using Rain Water | Rain Harvesting | We Used Concrete Tank | Tank Installation Hints | Reticulation of Rain Water
Examples Of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems Using Canon / UniSolar Technology Around The World
(To See New Zealand Example - Visit The Solar Energy House In Auckland...)
If you would like to see photos of BIPV install when Kristina & Simon Cope were in Japan, click here. To continue with looking at the energy efficient systems Kristina and Simon Cope have in their home in Auckland, click here.