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Duo-Gard Expands Solar PV Canopy Systems for Architectural Market

CANTON TOWNSHIP -- Designers no longer need to sacrifice aesthetics to achieve the benefits of building-integrated photovoltaics in canopies and walkways.

New solar PV canopy systems from Duo-Gard Industries Inc. are custom-designed and engineered to integrate as part of a building's architecture. Duo-Gard will introduce the new canopies at Greenbuild 2011 in Toronto.

The canopies are engineered with a sealed skin and continuous components, eliminating any gaps between panels. This achieves a weather-tight structure for all climatic regions. All wiring is built into framing channels for a clean, contemporary appearance.

Available currently in standard sloped and ridge styles, the canopies are configured for the size and scope required for each project. Duo-Gard's turnkey approach includes in-house design, engineering, fabrication and installation services, as well as technical support to specify, plus field support on photovoltaics. A new in-house steel fabrication facility, opened earlier this year, enhances Duo-Gard's abilities to quickly and cost effectively customize each project.

Aesthetically, the PV panels can be charcoal gray or blue. Designers can also specify integrated translucent multiwall polycarbonate panels to add diffused daylight.

"These new canopies enable designers to create an architectural power plant," said David Miller, Duo-Gard's president, "and they can achieve it as an aesthetically appealing, integrated structure instead of an add-on or after-thought."

The architectural canopy addition follows Duo-Gard's introduction earlier this year of solar PV charging stations. For more information, please visit www.duo-gard.com and Greenbuild 2011 Booth 1731 in Toronto.

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