General information about BIPV

Thin Film (a-Si) BIPV vs. Crystalline Silicon (c-Si) BAPV
BIPV panels achieve their lightweight and flexibility advantages over glass-based crystalline PV panels by:

• Thin-film amorphous silicon thickness less than 1 micron
• Stainless steel substrate of 5 mil
• Protective coating with ETFE film
• Average weight of .7 lbs/sq ft

Amorphous silicon alloy thin film technology can be 100 times less thick than that of conventional cells,
thereby significantly reducing materials cost.

Crystalline PV panels are rigid and fragile. They are almost four times heavier per square foot due to the
use of glass as a laminating and protecting material. Plus, the required metal framing adds additional
weight.

The Uni-Solar laminate utilizes the unique Triple –Junction thin-film silicon solar cells, where the blue,
green and red light of the sun is absorbed in different layers of the cell. This technology results in better
performance in low and diffuse light conditions

Temperature

Uni-Solar BIPV panels are less sensitive to higher ambient temperature:

• Rate PV module output is measured at a cell temperature of 25 degrees Centigrade (77 degrees
  Fahrenheit)
• Normal operating cell temperatures range from 50 degrees C to 70 degrees C (122 F to 158 F)
• At normal operating temperatures (60 C), actual output for crystalline is 16% lower than rated
  power
• At normal operating temperatures (60 C), actual output for Uni-Solar is 4% lower than rated
  power.

For information on thermal loads, read the Cool Roof report. (Cool Roof Report).

Energy Production

• Uni-Solar energy production is greater to equally-rated crystalline primarily due to better output
  at lower light intensity

Shading and Soiling

• Sources of soiling: bird droppings, water puddling, dust and dirt
• Silicon Crystal PV shows an output loss of 50% when soiled
• BIPV shows an output loss of less than 4.5%

Durability

• Chance of damage to PV panels is increased due to the fact that roof surfaces require access by
  service personnel.
• UNI-SOLAR PV Laminates are extremely durable and can sustain much greater impact than glass-
  based PV panels.
• UNI-SOLAR PV Laminates can sustain significant damage and still produce most of their rated
  power.
• The output of glass-based PV panels drops to zero over time following damage to glass surface
  (even small cracks) due to the penetration of moisture.
• Removal and replacement of glass-based PV panels can be expensive and can result in damage
  to other panels.
• Peel and stick adhesive backing is capable of withstanding 160 mph wind loads.
• Wind and water-tight roof.
• 20-year power output.

Installation

• Suitable for both renovation and new construction.
• Peel and stick adhesive backing.

Aesthetics

• Not only are the solar panels functional, they are pleasing to the eye.
• Panels are structurally integrated roofing elements and use standard installation techniques.
• No support structures are needed.
• Integrated with flat 16” wide metal roofing systems.

ROI

• Third party testing, in real world conditions, shows that Uni-Solar produces more energy for
  your purchased watt, and, therefore, provides the best ROI.
• Long-term reliability and performance.