Beijing Museum to Use PV System on Roof

The New Capital Museum, scheduled to open in China in 2005, will house the old, but use the new for energy. United Solar Ovonic has signed a contract with museum officials to provide a 300 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system for the museum.

Beijing, China – June 23, 2004 [SolarAccess.com] The project was a direct outcome of a business development mission in 2002 headed by Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans, and is part of a plan aimed at expanding U.S.-China business opportunities. “The Museum will be one of the world’s most modern museums to integrate the relic collection, exhibition, education and research,” Qin De Hai, who is the director of the New Building of the Capital Museum, said. “We hope to see our museum gain international prominence as an innovative institution featuring perfect function and advanced facilities.” PV laminates will be applied directly to the stainless steel roofing pans using peel and apply adhesive, which integrates the PV array with the roofing material itself. The completed system will use 300 watt panels, and is expected to deliver more than 363,000 kWh of energy annually. China’s commitment to renewable energy is underscored by its recent adoption of renewable energy as part of a basic national energy policy, and its policy to incorporate clean energy technologies into plans for the 2008 Olympics. Uni-Solar intends to pursue additional opportunities in the growing Chinese marketplace. There are opportunities for building-integrated PV systems in China’s huge construction industry, as well as participating in China’s Village Electrification Program which targets electrifying 20,000 villages in China’s off-grid western region. “This project illustrates our ability to adapt our technologies to meet the needs of our customers,” said Subhendu Guha, president of Uni-Solar. “We look forward to joining forces with a Chinese partner to establish manufacturing capabilities in China to fully address opportunities for our unique PV systems.” Dawson International is the general contractor for the project.