SoloPower, a California-based manufacturer of flexible, thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules is heating up the already hot low-cost solar energy marketplace.
In mid-July they launched their debut CIGS-based, thin-film, lightweight, flexible SFX1-i Photovoltaic module at InterSolar 2010 in San Francisco.
The company makes thin-film solar cells from a combination of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium (CIGS) which is placed on a flexible foil.
The panels are lighter than glass-encased panels and, according to SoloPower CEO Tim Harris, can be installed more quickly than other technologies, The panels can be laminated onto rooftops and mounted on racks to tilt the panel.
The SFX1-i module (80Wp, 0.3m x 2.9m, 2.3kg / 5lbs.) represents the first of several products in SoloPower's flexible module product line. Other products include the SFX1-i3 module (260Wp, 0.9m x 2.9m, 6kg / 13lbs.) and the SFX2 module (170Wp, 0.3m x 5.8m, 3.6kg / 8 lbs.).
SoloPower's roll-to-roll manufacturing process offers unique cost advantages including low capital expenditures, high line throughput and effective material utilization.
According to Harris, the SFX1-i3 lightweight module is optimized for commercial and industrial roofs, allowing customers to increase their profitability and complete projects that would not have been possible with other technologies.
Select SoloPower customers currently are sampling the new SFX1-i and SFX1-i3 modules off of SoloPower's existing production line in San Jose, CA. General availability for the new modules will be in the second half of 2010. Additionally, SoloPower is in the process of a significant capacity expansion to meet further market demand.