KYOCERA to Release ECONOROOTS Type R, the New Model
 for Residential Solar Power Generating Systems
|
|
|
|
(This document was translated from the Japanese press release.)
September 07, 2006
Kyocera Corporation (President: Makoto Kawamura) today announced the development of the new model of residential solar power generating systems, the ECONOROOTS type R. This product is much lighter in weight and superior in installation characteristics than the conventional model of the ECONOROOTS unit for span/flat roofs. The product will go on sale from October 1 this year in Japan through its sales subsidiary, Kyocera Solar Corporation.
Conceptual image of the installed new ECONOROOTS type R system
Outline
At present, Kyocera offers two residential solar power generating systems that can be installed on the roof: the SAMURAI for complex or hip roofs and the ECONOROOTS for span or flat roofs. In this way, Kyocera continues to offer products that can be installed beautifully on any residential roof, and that generate more power output.
The company has changed the ECONOROOTS model and reviewed the constituent materials and installation techniques to substantially reduce the weight and the stress on the roof. The new model, the ECONOROOTS type R, will go on sale in October this year for the Japanese market.
Background
In 1993, Kyocera was the first in Japan to bring to market a residential solar power generating system. Since that time, Kyocera has been endeavoring to promote the system.
Despite the impact of the lack of silicon used as a material on the supply volume of solar cell, the domestic market for residential solar power generating systems has been growing at the same level as in the previous term. Also, house manufacturers are increasingly providing these systems as standard, so there is greater demand for the systems.
Under these circumstances, Kyocera as a manufacturer has considered how the company can supply the market with products with added value, and has launched measures to achieve improvements, including weight reductions for the systems and increases in the efficiency of installation and the logistics. As a result of its initiatives to achieve the best balance, the company has successfully developed a new model, the ECONOROOTS type R. Kyocera integrates its production systems within the company, ranging from the casting of silicon materials to the production of solar cells and the assembly of solar modules. Moreover the company provides a wide range of services, including recommendations for the market, installation, quality assurance and maintenance. This unit is the result of the company's experience and expertise.
The company made the systems lighter by reducing the constituent materials and by changing the materials. The flow-on benefits of these initiatives are improved safety and efficiency in installation and maintenance, and greater total cost performance.
Features
1. Systems that are 20% to 25% lighter compared to the conventional systems
Kyocera has reviewed not only solar modules, but also the materials and metal fittings used for installing the frames and racks and even the installation techniques. Consequently, the company has been able to reduce the weight of the system by 20% to 25% compared to the conventional systems. For example, compared with the same ECONOROOTS 3.24-kW systems (with direct metal fitting), the total weight is 454 kg for the conventional type, and 337 kg for the new model, the ECONOROOTS type R. The weight of the constituent materials (the stress on the roofs) can be reduced by 117 kg (approx. 25%).
2. Improved installation with lighter, shorter and smaller materials and by making design changes
Various materials are used for installing solar cells on roofs. It is possible to reduce the stress on the roofs by making these materials shorter and lighter and by avoiding the use of long materials. It is also possible to improve efficiency and safety during installation.
Sample system configurations of the new model, ECONOROOTS type R
System model |
PV12RA180 |
PV18RA180 |
PV24RA180 |
PV30RA180 |
Solar module output (kW) |
2.16 |
3.24 |
4.32 |
5.4 |
Solar module (unit) |
12 |
18 |
24 |
30 |
Series x Parallel |
6 x 2 |
9 x 2 |
8 x 3 |
10 x 3 |
Installation area (m2) |
16.0 |
24.0 |
31.9 |
39.9 |
Power conditioners
ECONOLINE EX
|
PVN-403 |
PVN-551 |
Connection unit |
JB40A |
Recommended retail price for the system equipment (excluding tax) |
1,587,800 yen |
2,214,200 yen |
2,840,600 yen |
3,617,000 yen |
Specifications for the Solar Modules for the New Model, ECONOROOTS type R
Model |
RA180T-02 |
Nominal maximum output |
180W |
Nominal operating voltage at maximum output |
23.8V |
Nominal operating current at maximum output |
7.57A |
Nominal open-circuit voltage |
29.4V |
Nominal short-circuit current |
8.21A |
Exterior dimensions (mm) |
W 1286 x L1008 x H36 |
Weight |
15.5kg |
Module frame |
With a structure frame |
Recommended retail price (excluding tax)
|
104,400 yen |
|
|
| Inquiries |
 |
From Customers |
| |
KYOCERA Corporation
Solar Energy Division,
Business Department
6 Takeda Tobadono-cho, Fushimi-ku,
Kyoto 612-8501, Japan
Tel: +81-(0)75- 604-3476 (Direct)
Fax : +81-(0)75-604-3475 (Direct) |
| |
|
|
From the Press |
| |
KYOCERA Corporation
Corporate Communications
Head Office
Tel: +(81)-(0)75-604-3416 (Direct)
Tokyo
Tel: +(81)-(0)3-3274-1577(Direct) |
| |
|
| Related Link |
 |
Solar Energy |
|
Top of page