by Shane Henson — August 6, 2012—Global Solar Energy Inc., a producer of high-quality solar technology that is incorporated into a range of products such as its foldable Flex Portable Solar Chargers, recently announced an expansion into Japan’s growing solar market. The expansion will establish local partnerships and offer a new design of its PowerFLEX BIPV system comprising building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) adapted specifically for use on rooftops in Japan.
Together with partners CBC Co. Ltd, Eco Holdings and OG Corporation, Global Solar is making it easy for Japanese businesses to adopt the most powerful flexible solar roofing module on the market and take advantage of the country’s new feed-in tariff (FIT), it says.
On July 1, 2012, the Japanese government’s progressive new FIT program went into effect, requiring utilities to pay 42 yen per kilowatt-hour (about $0.52 per kilowatt-hour) for 20 years from solar plants generating 10 kW of energy or more. As the country reduces its dependence on nuclear energy and opens the door for more renewable energy adoption through the new FIT, researchers estimate this could foster a solar market of $9.6 billion and 3.2 gigawatts (GW) of capacity, notes Global Solar Energy, making Japan one of the most important markets for solar in the coming years.
With 12.6% aperture efficiency, the Global Solar PowerFLEX BIPV module delivers the highest efficiency in the flexible module sector, the company asserts. Its large format and a high-power density (300 W) bring down installation and balance of system (BOS) costs. With a lightweight and flexible design, the PowerFLEX BIPV system is a great solution for commercial roofs where traditional glass solar modules are too heavy.
Typical Japanese buildings have compact roofs, making the PowerFLEX BIPV a perfect fit as the module allows more power generation per square foot than any other BIPV solution. Additionally, by being applied directly to a roofing surface and requiring no mounting hardware or roof penetrations, Global Solar’s system maintains the integrity and aesthetics of a building structure, the company says.
Global Solar is already deploying its PowerFLEX systems in Japan, including a completed 400 kW rooftop system on the Yokosuka Naval Base, a U.S. military base, which was installed in partnership with Beachside Solar.
