Photo courtesy DuRock Alfacing International

Canada's first solar installation combining double bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules and a reflective roof membrane is in Woodbridge, Ont., at the DuRock Alfacing International headquarters.

A Woodbridge, Ont., building product manufacturer's headquarters has completed Canada's first solar installation combining double bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules and a reflective roof membrane.

For the DuRock Alfacing International building, modules generate power from both sides, resulting in up to 30 per cent higher energy output than standard single-sided PV modules. A high-strength, white, elastomeric, urethane roof coating provides 89 per cent solar reflectivity and weather resistance for the 3716-m² (40,000-sf) roof, reducing energy usage for the building.

In the grid-tied, 10-kW arrangement, the modules provide renewable energy revenue, while the roof membrane reduces cooling costs of the building. This combination results in additional benefits such as improved module performance due to the cooling effect and increased energy production because of the roof membrane's high reflectivity.

DuRock vice-president, Dolores Ursini, told Construction Canada Online she believes greener building is increasing across Canada.

"We wanted to reduce our carbon footprint by supporting clean energy initiatives, protect against escalating energy costs, and add value to our building," she said.