Japan's first condominium with solar panels on its roof that provide electricity to all the households in the building was released onto the market in September 2006. The condominium, called "Grandia Kucoh Solare", had been jointly built by Grandia Co. and Marubi Co. in Fukuoka Prefecture, western Japan.

The photovoltaic power generation system was developed by Shibaura Group, a housing equipment company in the prefecture. Under this system, solar panels are allocated to each household and so the amount of electricity generated for each household is easily monitored. It is estimated that one unit of panels generates 1.53 kilowatts of electricity, equivalent to 1,500 kWh in a year. The system provides electricity not only for communal areas but also for each dwelling unit.

Shibaura Group estimates that the system will reduce carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the amount absorbed by approximately 4,200 cedar trees, and will save as much as 1,200 18-liter containers of petroleum.

Marubi will be in charge of system management for 15 years after completion of the condo, after which, according to a stipulation in the contract between Marubi and the condominium association, Marubi will transfer ownership, and responsibility for maintenance as well as management, to the condominium association.



Posted: 2007/06/04 01:55:27 PM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Energy , Non-manufacturing industry