Saint-Gobain Announces UL and CEC Listing for Versatile SG Solar Suneka® PV Module at Solar Power International 2011

VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Saint-Gobain (booth #4438) announces the availability of SG Solar Suneka®, a versatile aluminum-framed photovoltaic module from its subsidiary Saint-Gobain Solar. The new product, announced today at Solar Power International 2011 in Dallas, expands Saint-Gobain Solar's product offering in North America. Saint-Gobain Solar observed the industry's need for an adaptable, high-performance solar system and engineered Suneka® in a variety of sizes, wattages and cell types with a full range of mounting systems suitable for single and multi-family residential applications as well as commercial and industrial applications.

"Suneka® is the answer to architects and builders seeking an integrated solar roof system that delivers high performance, versatility and durability," said Alain Garnier, Director of Saint-Gobain Solar North America. "Suneka® will meet the expectations of a growing number of homeowners and business owners who want to invest in and take energy-saving measures."  

Composed of high-transmission solar glass, Suneka® offers customers the flexibility to choose from three distinct models based on their efficiency goals. The 60-cell monocrystalline and 60-cell polycrystalline models offer a 200Wp – 240Wp power range and provide efficiency up to 14.75%. The 72-cell monocrystalline model offers a power range of 185Wp-190Wp and up to 14.88% efficiency. To further enhance Suneka's® versatility, the modules are compatible with mounting systems for building-integrated or simplified building-integrated solutions, including flat and sloped roofs.

Confident in Suneka's® rigorous testing, Saint-Gobain Solar is offering a competitive 12-year warranty that guarantees workmanship.

"We are proud to help lead the charge to save energy through the development of sustainable building products and solar technologies," said John Crowe, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain Corporation (Saint-Gobain's North American holding company). "Suneka® reflects Saint-Gobain's product expertise and our commitment to reduce the energy consumption of buildings."

In addition to announcing Suneka®, Saint-Gobain will exhibit a comprehensive solar offering from its family of companies at booth #4438. Featured at the booth will be Saint-Gobain's industry-leading range of solar energy products from its subsidiaries CertainTeed and Saint-Gobain Solar, including the recently introduced Apollo®, Avancis PowerMax®, EnerGen® and soon-to-be introduced to the North American solar market, Sunlap®.

About Saint-Gobain Solar

Saint-Gobain Solar, a member of the Saint-Gobain family of companies, is a worldwide leader in solar energy products and services. For nearly 350 years, Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building products manufacturer, has offered solutions to architects. Today, Saint-Gobain is combining its know-how in construction products with its solar technology expertise to provide sustainable materials, engineered renewable energy solutions and photovoltaic solutions for the architectural market.

Saint-Gobain Solar is currently focused on the production of high-performance mirrors for solar thermal power plant operators; the manufacturing of high-tech components for PV modules (special glass, high-performance plastics, etc.); the production, via its Avancis business, of thin-film PV modules using CIGS technology (Copper – Indium – Gallium - Selenide) for distributors, systems integrators and solar power station operators; and the design and marketing of PV solutions for residential, tertiary, industrial and agricultural buildings.

About Saint-Gobain in North America

Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building materials company, has its North American headquarters in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. As the world leader in sustainable habitat, Saint-Gobain is committed to inventing solutions to help professionals and communities around the world build and renovate comfortable, healthy, economical and energy-efficient buildings. The company has more than 265 locations in North America and approximately 19,000 employees. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain reported sales of approximately $7.3 billion in 2010.

Saint-Gobain's family of companies in North America includes CertainTeed Corporation, which offers the most comprehensive portfolio of interior and exterior building products in North America, as well as Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Saint-Gobain ADFORS (previously known as Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics), Vetrotech Saint-Gobain North America, Saint-Gobain Glass, Saint-Gobain Solar, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and more.

Recognized as a 2009 and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Saint-Gobain earned the 2011 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award, the highest level of recognition for outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. For information about Saint-Gobain in North America, visit www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com

SOURCE Saint-Gobain