United Solar Ovonics, a 100% subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices (ECD), announced that it will be contributing a major portion for a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system that is to be installed on the rooftops of an industrial plant owned by Marcegaglia Group in Taranto.
The 4-MW BIPV system will be mostly fitted out with United Solar’s flexible light weight photovoltaic modules. This roof-top project is scheduled to begin operation in 2010. Brollo Solar photovoltaic roofing system from Marcegaglia features in the installation. The light-weight BIPV roofing system is formed by applying UNI-SOLAR laminates directly on insulating panels or corrugated sheets.
Enel Green Power owns 51% and Marcegaglia Group 49% of the system. The system, when fully operational will be capable of generating more than 5 million kWh per year. The electricity produced from the system is enough power about 1,900 homes, preventing 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
ECD's president and CEO, Mark Morelli, said the company is delighted to be working with Marcegaglia again on another BIPV project. This project demonstrates the successful application of its UNI-SOLAR laminates on another BIPV project. Since the PV system has to be incorporated into the existing architecture, UNI-SOLAR laminates with its flexible, thin, and light weight characteristics was an ideal choice for this project, Morelli added.