Canadian Solar (Nasdaq: CSIQ), in partnership with Energy Resources, has provided modules used in the creation of SolarLAB2, an open-air solar laboratory intended to study the integration of photovoltaic technology for prefabricated roofing. Built by Baraclit, a leader in industrial and commercial prefabricated roofing, at its headquarters in Bibbiena near Arezzo, SolarLAB2 is now one of Italy's largest and most innovative roof-integrated photovoltaic installations.
Built under Baraclit's b.POWER division, the new solar laboratory is divided into 4 sections with a total peak capacity of 2.5 MWp and is to produce 2,900,000 kWh of energy annually. The system is built on a surface of 31,700 sq. m. (the panels cover 17,000 sq. m), with more than 11,000 photovoltaic modules from Canadian Solar. Approximately 58% of the modules are made with polycrystalline cells and 42% with monocrystalline cells. These high-output performing Canadian Solar modules achieved top PVUSA rating (PTC) in California.
"Our trust in Canadian Solar stems from the company's proven track record, high quality and ability to respond to our needs with an integrated offer that includes highly efficient, top-quality products," said Luca Bernardini, Head of the b.POWER Division and Marketing Manager at Baraclit. "In tests carried out in our laboratories, the CS6P modules proved to be high-end performers and this was the determining factor for us to choose Canadian Solar. Their excellent quality-price ratio also enables us to deliver the best product and value to our customers in the prefabricated roofing market."
"We are proud to partner with Baraclit and Energy Resources in developing SolarLAB2 as innovative and integrated photovoltaic systems for commercial and industrial buildings in Italy. This innovative solution clearly demonstrates that photovoltaic technology can be integrated into and applied to industrial construction. Italy has always been an important market for Canadian Solar and we are positioned for further growth in there," said Dr. Shawn Qu, the CEO of Canadian Solar.
For this project, Baraclit b.POWER and Energy Resources, leading company operating in the field of renewable energies, required the installation of photovoltaic modules on suitable shed roofing and flat roofing (pointing 12 degrees south west) with a pitch of between 10 and 35 degrees (according to the type of construction system) in order to ensure constantly elevated exposure to the sun's rays throughout the year.