Green Building
Unicrete Products Ltd. prides itself in being proactive in our Green Building Initiatives. Whether it is our involvement with Green Alberta, or the benefits one can recognize by utilizing solar panels within one of our tile roofs. By obtaining valuable points towards LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification or the significant energy saving one can recognize from our Ener-Vent System for roofing. Unicrete is proud to offer our assistance. For more information, please choose from one of the four categories on the left side of the screen.
Solar Power
To find out more information download the brochure to the left or go to installations contractors for companies in your area.
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- Unicrete tiles are able to be fully integrated with solar panel systems for those wishing to generate their own power.
- Various systems are supported including a solar powered water heater.
How solar works
1. Solar Modules
Solar modules mounted on the roof or grounds of your facility convert sunlight into DC power.
2. Inverter
3. Electrical Panel
4. Utility Grid
Excess power produced by the solar modules flows into the grid through your electric meter, causing your meter to run backwards and gaining you a credit with the utility company.
Net Metering
Net metering is an agreement between a utility company and you, the customer. The agreement states that the utility will credit your account for excess electricity you produce and feed into the utility grid. Keep in mind that you will receive a credit from the utility when you are generating more power than you are using. If all of the power being produced by your solar energy system is immediately being used, your meter will not “spin backwards”.
The Benefits of Solar
Protect Against Rising Utility Rates
Canadian homes and businesses have seen electricity rates spike over the last 5 years. If utility bills are a significant portion of your overhead than large increases in electricity costs can affect the viability of your business. Installing your own solar power can reduce or eliminate your exposure to rising electricity rates. The portion of your usage that is generated on site will no longer be subject to increases in electricity rates.
Reduce Operating Costs
A solar power system can reduce or eliminate your building’s electric bill. Installing a solar power system is equivalent to prepaying for 40 years of power at a fraction of the cost you are currently paying. The cost/unit of energy you are currently paying is already higher than what you would be paying with solar. As rates increase this difference will only increase, which will result in further savings over the life of the system.
Good Return on Investment (ROI)
Government incentives combined with recent decreases in solar equipment prices, make the investment in solar power a good financial decision for businesses and public agencies. An investment in solar power can generate quick payback as well as
long-term savings.
Long Term Reliability & Low Maintenance Costs
Photovoltaic cells were originally developed for use in space, where repair is extremely expensive, if not impossible. Solar still powers nearly every satellite circling the earth because it operates reliably for long periods of time with virtually no maintenance. Once installed, the solar power system requires little or no maintenance (especially if no batteries are used), and will provide electricity cleanly and quietly for 25 to 40 years. Our solar panels carry a 25-year manufacturer warranty on their production.
Become a “Green” Business
Generating electricity from solar energy means less consumption of fossil fuels, reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emission. By switching to solar power your company will be doing its part to combat global warming, and reduce our nation’s dependence of foreign energy sources. Being a green business can, not only reduce your operating costs, but can be a great source of public relations and a good marketing tool. There are a growing number of consumers who make their buying decisions based on the perceived environmental responsibility of the vendor.
Costs and Savings
The cost of a solar electric system can vary significantly depending on the amount of power required. Industrial facilities will require systems of a different scale than a small retail business. A small office may only require a $15,000 system, while an industrial facility may require a $200-500k system.
See our installation contractors page for companies in your area.
A solar power system on your building is a long term, low risk, and high return way to invest your money. Solar offers an initial annual return on investment of 5-11%. This is very competitive with other higher risk investments such as stocks and bonds. As utility rates increase the annual return increases.
Solar power can reduce or eliminate your electric bill. In addition, any excess solar power can be fed into the utility grid resulting in a credit with the utility company.
Ener-Vent System
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Our Ener-Vent Roof Installation System maximizes energy efficiency by optimizing airflow under the roof tiles.
Benefits include:
- Reduced ice-damming potential in the winter
- Energy efficiency through ventilation
- Snow retention systems designed to hold snow on the roof that limit damage to both roof material and property and reduce the risk of personal injury from sliding snow.
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The Oak Ridge National Laboratory report for the U.S. Department of Energy concluded that:
"Field measures for the tile roofs revealed a 70% drop in the peak heat flow crossing the deck as compared to a direct-nailed asphalt shingle roof."
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LEED Points
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Concrete roof tile uses a unique double roof rain screen system that allows the air space below the tiles to dissipate heated air. This results in a much more comfortable house as the requirements for air conditioning are less correlating in reduced energy costs.
Their sustainability and the reduced re-roofing waste to landfill sites make concrete roof tiles a great choice in roofing materials.
Product Compatibility Evaluation - LEED® - Homes Canada
Click Here to view Unicrete Roof Tiles Product Compatibility Evaluation (PDF)
