October 16, 2007: 08:00 AM EST
WUXI, China, Oct. 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. , one of the world's leading manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, today announced that it has supplied a custom designed MSK building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) Light Thru skylight system to Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, for their prototype store, which officially opened on Friday, Oct. 5th in Boulder, Colo.
"This installation in REI's prototype store is just one example of the extensive interest in building integrated solar technology that we are seeing in the U.S.," said Len May, Suntech America's Vice President of Business Development for MSK BIPV Products. "Commercial enterprises, public institutions, and private home owners are all driving demand for green energy and building integrated solar solutions are well suited to meet this demand."
The 42,000-square-foot store, a renovation and expansion of REI's existing Boulder location, is designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED(R)) Silver standards for commercial interiors. The state of the art facility highlights a number of innovative green building technologies, such as BIPV. The MSK BIPV Light Thru skylight system is comprised of a highly aesthetic laminated glass product integrated with crystalline photovoltaic cells. BIPV glazing has dual functionality as a generator of clean electricity and as a shading device to reduce solar heat gain, further reducing energy costs.
"In contrast to standard PV modules, the semi-transparent BIPV glass panels transmit light at the same time as generating solar electricity. Integrating the photovoltaic cells directly into the building skin also reduces material costs and greatly enhances the aesthetics of the solar system," said Mr. May.
REI has embraced the idea of integrating photovoltaics into the design of its prototype by building an 'interior monument' under the BIPV skylight. Three peaks located at the front of the store will be a focal point on the retail floor and will draw customers' vision up to the BIPV system.
BIPV consulting firm Solar Design Associates (SDA) worked with design firm Gensler to design the photovoltaic glass into the building. SDA President Steven Strong commented, "There is growing demand for architecture that combines attractive design with environmentally friendly building products. Building integrated solar systems are a fantastic way to achieve this objective."
"REI's Boulder store builds on our more than 10 years of green building experience, and helps us test concepts that will pave the way for how our stores are built in the future, including design, material selections and use of technology," said Dean Iwata, REI's director of store development. Using LEED certification standards, REI plans to incorporate green elements into future buildings. REI's new distribution center in Bedford, Pa. and other prototype stores will include many of the innovative and environmentally sound features found in the Boulder store. A comprehensive summary of the store's green building features is available on REI's website at http://www.rei.com/greenbuilding/boulder .
About Gensler
Gensler is a leading global design, planning and strategic consulting firm. The firm has been a champion of sustainable design for many years. In 2005, Gensler received the Leadership Award from the U.S. Green Building Council for its commitment to the advancement of sustainable design.
About Solar Design Associates
Solar Design Associates is an interdisciplinary group of dedicated professionals working to create a sustainable built environment. Since its founding in 1974, the firm has earned an international reputation for the pioneering integration of renewable energy systems -- especially solar electricity -- and environmentally responsive building design. SDA offers services in project planning, building design, energy systems engineering and technology development to architects, private, commercial, government and institutional clients.
http://www.solardesign.com/index.html
About Suntech
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. is a leading solar energy company in the world as measured by both production output and capacity of solar cells and modules. Suntech provides solar solutions for a green future. Suntech designs, develops, manufactures, and markets a variety of high quality, cost effective and environmentally friendly PV cells and modules for electric power applications in the residential, commercial, industrial, and public utility sectors. Suntech's majority-owned subsidiary, MSK Corporation is one of the top-ranked companies in the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) space. Suntech's customers are located in various markets worldwide, including key markets throughout Europe, North America, Japan and China. For more information, please visit http://www.suntech-power.com .
Suntech America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd with responsibility for the distribution of Suntech products in the Americas. For more information about Suntech America's product offerings please contact Roger Efird, tel: +1 (301) 774-3430 or email: sales@suntechamerica.com .
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