13 June 2012

SoloPower launches new suite of flexible CIGS solar panels with easy-install kits

At the Intersolar Europe 2012 trade show in Munich, Germany (13-15 June), SoloPower Inc of San Jose, CA, USA, which makes thin-film copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) photovoltaic (PV) cells and lightweight flexible solar modules using a proprietary roll-to-roll electro-deposition process, has launched its next generation of integrated solar solutions. SoloPower’s solutions include six models of photovoltaic panels and three first-of-their-kind, easy, non-penetrating installation kits: the SoloSaddle, SoloWedge and the SoloBridge, which increase application versatility while optimizing module performance for commercial and industrial rooftops, it is claimed.

“We approach the market based on the needs of our customers, with solutions that are rapidly deployable on old and new roofs as well as adaptable to site-specific conditions,” says president & chief commercial officer Bruce Khouri. “The combination of our next-generation SoloPanels with our installation kits enables us to expand the solar rooftop market, making solar energy easy and economical for just about any roof type, anywhere,” he claims.

SoloPower’s new suite of solar solutions includes the following SoloPanels and installation systems that enable the modules to perform optimally and to be integrated into a variety of roof systems worldwide:

• SoloPanel SF1 and SP1, optimized for 12-inch and 16-inch standing-seam metal roof integration;

• SoloPanel SP3L and SP3S, large-format modules optimized for commercial and industrial low-slope buildings;

• SoloSaddle, a non-penetrating kit designed to easily integrate the SP3S into membrane-based roofing systems (a low-slope curve provides self-cleaning and high performance in hot climates);

• SoloWedge, a non-penetrating kit designed to easily integrate the SP3L into membrane based roofing systems (a five-degree slope provides self-cleaning and maximum performance in cold climates); and

• SoloBridge, a non-penetrating kit designed to easily integrate the SP3L into metal roofing systems.

SoloPower says that introduction of its next generation of solar solutions comes at a time when it is hiring for its high-volume manufacturing facility in Portland, OR, which will begin commercial production later this year and is ultimately expected to have a capacity of 400MW and employ 450 people.

“SoloPower is building our new manufacturing facility in Oregon because of the visionary leadership and support of the State of Oregon, the Oregon Department of Energy, and the City of Portland,” comments CEO Tim Harris.

The firm claims that its proprietary approach embodies critical technology, manufacturing and cost advantages that enable large-scale ‘fab-style’ production of high-efficiency CIGS-based photovoltaic cells. These are then packaged into unique, flexible, lightweight solar modules that require less balance-of-system hardware and are easier to install than traditional solar panels, it adds.

SoloPower says that its cells and modules are continually subjected to rigorous environmental and accelerated life cycle testing beyond the industry standards and are designed for superior performance under all light conditions. Modules also have low-profile bypass diodes that allow for maximum performance under shade conditions. The firm adds that its latest solutions advance the possibilities of solar power integration, with proven technology that overcomes the product weaknesses of other thin-film solar modules and offers flexibility for a range of applications.

Tags: SoloPower CIGS

Visit: www.SoloPower.com