Products - March 2011 - featuring International

Sharp PV Modules
Sharp Electronics Corporation, a worldwide leader in solar electric technology, manufactures monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels that can be used as stand-alone systems or tied into the grid. Sharp modules are available in 80- to 240-watt versions for residential and commercial use and carry a 25-year warranty. The company also offers thin-film PV for utility-scale projects. And even though Sharp’s headquarters are in Japan, many of its PV modules are “Made in America” in Memphis, Tennessee.

LEED value
• EA Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance: Design & Construction
• EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance: Design & Construction
• EA Credit 2: On-Site Renewable Energy

Sharp Electronics Corp.
— Solar Systems Division Huntington Beach
Californiasharpusa.com

Accelera Heat Pump Water Heater
The German-made Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 heat-pump water heater pulls heat from the air and uses it to heat water, similar to an air conditioner, so the process also creates cool, dehumidified air. When used in the right location they are very efficient. The Accelera 300 is made for residential or light commercial use and contains a super-insulated 80-gallon tank and an electric element to provide supplemental heat when hot water demand is high.

LEED value
• EA Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance: Design & Construction
• EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance: Design & Construction
• MR Credit 2: Sustainable Purchasing—Durable Goods

Stiebel Eltron
West Hatfield, Massachusetts
stiebel-eltron-usa.com

[ Reader Service CIRCLE 103]

DIPO Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops use magnetic waves to heat pans at about 90% efficiency. The heat goes into the pan rather than into the kitchen or up the flue, which can save on HVAC costs. DIPO’s heavy-duty stockpot induction burners are for use in commercial and institutional kitchens and have 10 temperature settings from 122°F to 392°F (50°C–200°C). The company also makes a unique induction griddle with an integrated conductive metal surface.

LEED value
• EA Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance: Design & Construction
• EA Credit 1.3: Optimize Energy Performance—HVAC

DIPO Induction
Troy, Ohio
dipousa.com

In-Line Ventilation Fans
Fantech offers a full line of in-line duct ventilation fans for commercial and residential use, including the FR Series—some of the quietest, most efficient fans in the industry. They are available in sizes and airflows appropriate for ventilating bathrooms, utility rooms, and crawlspaces; supplying make-up air; or boosting airflow in ducts. The FR Series’ motors are housed in sealed, weatherproof shells that allow them to be mounted outdoors, and they come with a five-year warranty.

LEED value
• IEQ Prerequisite 1: Minimum IAQ Performance
• IEQ Credit 2: Increased Ventilation

Fantech
Lenexa, Kansas
fantech.net

Thermotech Fiberglass Windows
The Canadian company Thermotech makes high-performance windows with impressive unit U-factors below 0.20. These energy-efficient windows include silicone foam Super Spacers, triple panes, and low-e glazing (Pilkington or AFG). Thermotech promotes the use of different glazings on different orientations to optimize energy performance, with up to four different insulating glass options per project. The company also uses recycled-content fiberglass frames, waterborne paint, offcut-sourced polystyrene insulation, and river-bottom-recovered pine jamb extensions.

LEED value
• EA Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance: Design & Construction
• EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance: Design & Construction
• IEQ Credit 8.1: Daylight and Views

Thermotech Fiberglass Fenestration
Ottawa, ON, Canada
thermotechfiberglass.com

Evora Cork
Cork insulates, dampens sound, is renewable, and is surprisingly durable. Evora’s glueless cork flooring system is made up of three layers: a cork top layer coated with three coats of UV-cured polyurethane; a moisture-resistant, high-density fiberboard core; and an integrated cork underlayment. It comes in 12-inch x 35-1/2-inch planks and is available in natural, classic, burled, and wine cork, which is made from cross sections of wine bottle corks.

LEED value
• MR Credit 6: Rapidly Renewable Materials

BuildDirect Technologies Inc.
Vancouver, BC,
Canadabuilddirect.com