Canadian Solar launches easy-install home solar panels

April 1, 2010

Canadian Solar has launched a new easy-install residential roof solar panel system in the US in tandem with a new roof-mounting system.

The company’s California-based subsidiary Canadian Solar USA unveiled its NewEdge solar panels yesterday, claiming the system would slash residential installation costs by half.

The panels are compatible with a number of roof-mounting systems, but Canadian Solar is particularly recommending the new rail-free system from Zep, a Californian company.

The Zep System represents a turnaround in standard installation practices and hardware” - Mike Miskovsky, Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar said with the Zep mounting system, the amount of time that installers spend on a roof could be cut by 75%.

NewEdge modules are available in two types – the CS5A, which uses five-inch monocrystalline silicon cells and the CS6P, which uses polycrystalline silicon cells.

“Improvements”

Canadian Solar said its new PV systems would yield “significant financial, labor and performance improvements” compared to traditional roof-mounted solar systems.

Mike Miskovsky, general manager of US operations for Canadian Solar, said his company was the first solar panel manufacturer to provide the Zep Compatible panels.

He said: “The Zep System represents a turnaround in standard installation practices and hardware. Canadian Solar is building on our market leadership and reputation for high quality products by coupling our high performance modules with this leading next-generation installation technology.”

Canadian Solar said its NewEdge modules and the Zep system will be available for order through its reseller partner groSolar in April 2010.

Zep will be offering a commercial rooftop system, featuring NewEdge panels, in July 2010.
Jack West, CEO and CTO of Zep Solar, said labor costs were becoming “increasingly significant” in projects as solar technology costs have declined.

This underscored the need for an “ultra fast” way to safely install solar arrays, he said.

Mr West said: “Given the game-changing possibilities of the Zep platform, it fits to have partnered with a company as forward-thinking as Canadian Solar for our initial release.”