Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. the world’s largest solar panel manufacturer, has announced the attainment of 1 gigawatt solar cell and module production capacity; the first company to do so.
Suntech has also announced the opening of its new solar headquarters in Wuxi, China. The 18,000 square meter facility includes the world’s largest on-grid photovoltaic facade system, with over 2,552 semi- transparent Light Thru solar panels.
Suntech Light Thru modules use crystalline cells sandwiched between 2 sheets of glass. The gaps between the cells allow light to pass through creating excellent shaded areas. The Light Thru system can generate an average of 80 to 100W/m2 of power from direct sunlight.
The installation will produce over 1 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year, saving over 600 tons of carbon emissions annually.
The new Suntech headquarters also utilises energy efficient building materials, a geothermal temperature control system, sensor lighting and a water recycling system. The 1MW grid connected solar facade was installed by Suntech’s in-house system integration team, which has successfully undertaken a range of large building integrated solar power projects; including the 120kW Beijing Jingya Hotel Curtain Wall and 800kW Light Thru system at the Wuxi Airport.
Suntech’s Chairman and CEO Dr. Zhengrong Shi believes that building integrated solar power systems are the way forward for environmentally friendly architecture and Suntech’s new headquarters is a prime example of how solar can be seamlessly incorporated into modern architecture.
