15 December 2010

SoloPower launches most powerful, certified, flexible CIGS module

SoloPower Inc of San Jose, CA, USA, which makes flexible copper indium gallium di-selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, has expanded its product line further to include the newly certified SFX3 module.

Capable of producing up to 260Wp, the SFX3 is claimed to be the most powerful, certified, flexible thin-film CIGS module on the market. It complements the narrower SFX1 module, which was the first flexible CIGS module certified to both UL 1703 and IEC (61646 and 61730) standards.

“Achieving the certification of both our wide and narrow modules to the necessary UL and IEC standards [achieved through Intertek and TÜV SÜD America Inc, respectively] allows us to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions to a broad range of market channels and geographies,” says CEO Tim Harris. “With the SFX3 module passing the same certification standards as the SFX1 recently did, we can deliver powerful, lightweight products optimized for use on both low-slope and standing-seam metal roof systems in Europe, North America and Asia,” he adds.

At slightly less than 0.5lb per square-foot, the SFX1 (up to 85Wp, 0.292m x 3.05m, 2.27kg/5lbs) and SFX3 (up to 260Wp, 0.88m x 3.05m, 6.8kg/15lbs) weigh much less than traditional solar panels, which are often too heavy to be placed in large numbers on older buildings, the firm says.

SoloPower’s aperture efficiency also continues to improve, with the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) measuring flexible modules made on the firm’s production line as high as 12.1%. “Breaking through the 12% aperture efficiency barrier for production line modules is an added bonus,” says Harris. SoloPower has improved aperture efficiency from 11.2% to 12.1% over the past 6 months while simultaneously beginning to deliver products to the global market.

SoloPower currently has the only flexible CIGS products certified to both UL 1703 and IEC (61646 and 61730) standards, claims chief technology officer Mustafa Pinarbasi. “Our high power SFX3 panel enhances the company’s position in the flexible solar segment and demonstrates our drive to lower the cost of solar power to grid parity.”

SoloPower is in the process of shipping SFX1 and SFX3 modules to customers in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan and Korea, as well as to multiple locations in North America. Packaged in a durable, lightweight, flexible form, demand is building rapidly, claims the firm.

Tags: SoloPower CIGS module

Visit: www.solopower.com