News

3 August 2010

 

Ascent externally certifies module encapsulation material for flexible CIGS PV laminate

Ascent Solar Technologies Inc (ASTI) of Thornton, CO, USA, which manufactures flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules based on copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), says that its packaging solution for flexible monolithically integrated CIGS modules has passed a critical environmental testing milestone.

An independent laboratory conducted a series of tests on its modules under the requirements of the IEC 61646 standards. All test requirements were passed, including the rigorous standard of 1000 hours of damp heat testing (85% relative humidity and 85°C temperature) set forth by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for performance and long-term reliability.

Ascent has begun external certification under IEC 61646 by submitting product intended for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) and building-applied photovoltaic (BAPV) applications for use in commercial and residential rooftop markets. Preparation for submission under UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc) certification is also underway. Once certified, the firm’s flexible CIGS PV modules will be the first of their kind to achieve such certification, positioning them for entry into the largest markets, the firm reckons.

“The majority of BIPV and BAPV demand resides in flexible CIGS solutions incorporating a certified flexible package,” believes president & CEO Dr Farhad Moghadam. “Our demonstration of the first flexible CIGS package which meets the IEC testing opens the door to penetration into these large market opportunities.”

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