DuROCK Receives Ontario's First Micro-FIT Payment for PV Rooftop Installation

WOODBRIDGE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 29, 2010) -

Editor's Note: A photo for this release will be available via Marketwire on the picture wire of The Canadian Press

DuROCK Alfacing International Ltd. (DuROCK) announces that it has received the first Micro-FIT (Feed in Tariff) payment, demonstrating the benefits of the photovoltaic system project unveiled with SANYO Canada Inc. (SANYO) and AVACOS Solar Energy (AVACOS) in December 2009.

The payment received was approximately $4,000, representing 5 per cent of the $92,000 installation cost, accounting for a 25 to 30 per cent additional power generation from the installation compared to conventional solar rooftop installations.

"We are delighted by the historical significance of this first payment," says Koshi Terakawa, President, Sanyo Canada. "And we are proud to see the fruition of our investment," adds Gary Campacci, President of DuROCK.

This project was the first Canadian photovoltaic system combining SANYO's HIT® (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer) Double bifacial solar PV modules and DuROCK Tio-Coat reflective roof membrane at DuROCK Alfacing International Ltd.'s headquarters in Woodbridge. In managing the project, AVACOS matched the complementing technologies, which now have proven results in additional cost-saving and environmental benefits.

SANYO HIT^® Double PV modules generate power from both sides, resulting in up to 30% higher energy output than standard single-sided PV modules, making them ideal for carports, canopies and porch coverings.

DuROCK Tio-Coat is a high-strength white elastomeric urethane roof coating that provides 89% solar radiation reflectivity and weather resistance, reducing the energy usage required for the building compared to traditional roof coverings.

Together, the overall performance of the solar array is improved due to the cooling effect of Tio-Coat on the roof and the additional reflectivity providing light for the back side of the bifacial modules.

"We are pleased that this tri-partnership is paving the way for similar systems in the future as we realize its success," says Sandro Costa, President of AVACOS Solar.

About SANYO

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a global, leading provider of energy, environment and lifestyle applications. SANYO Canada Inc. (a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.), is based in Woodbridge, Ontario (a suburb north of Toronto). SANYO Canada is a service and sales company that markets and sells a variety of commercial and consumer solutions including rechargeable batteries, solar modules, HVAC, digital projectors, dual cameras, digital still cameras, home appliances, security video equipment, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics, and weatherproof monitors. For more information, please visit http://ca.sanyo.com or http://fr.ca.sanyo.com.

About AVACOS Solar Energy

AVACOS Solar, is a leading residential and commercial solar photovoltaic energy developer in Ontario. Providing its clients with services ranging from conceptual planning and design to project completion. Specializing in project procurement as well as turnkey installation and integration. AVACOS Solar provides solar-generated PV energy systems at or below current retail utility rates to a broad and diverse client base of commercial, municipal and utility customers. For more information, please visit: www.avacos.ca.

About DuROCK Alfacing International

DuROCK Alfacing International is a Canadian family owned company that has been providing their clients around the world with the finest quality interior and exterior finishing systems since 1980. The company's broad range of products and systems, including stucco, decorative floor and wall coating, and roof coverings, are subjected to extensive research and rigorous testing to ensure they withstand the most extreme environmental conditions. Please visit http://www.durock.com/.