Sharp Corp. (Japan) announced that it will introduce to the Japanese market two new integrated photovoltaic (PV) module products for pitched roof applications. The new products are targeted at new-build and roof-refurbishment applications, which are taking an increasing share of the Japanese PV market.
The frameless modules cover the roof directly, rather than bolting on top of the existing roofing material, taking the form of roofing slates. The products combine steel sheet roofing material with the over-lying solar module. They offer the benefit of quicker and more efficient installation and better packing density, or coverage, of PV cells on the available pitched roof area. Power output from the roof tile module products will be 52.5 W and 38 W.
Sharp will launch the products in Japan beginning October 2004, and is planning production of 20,000 units per month. The targeted retail price for the 52.5 W tile is ¥25,600 and ¥21,000 for the 38 W tile.
