Midsummer Moves Into New Markets

Announces new BIPV metal sheet CIGS solar roof for end market applications

Swedish CIGS firm Midsummer has launched its new energy producing metal sheet roof 'Midsummer solar roofs' as part of a broader effort to expand into the end market for solar panels.

To meet increasing demand from mainly the US market, Midsummer is rapidly expanding its production capacity of DUO machines, its innovative and unique manufacturing tool for thin film flexible CIGS solar cells.

The company has decided to also directly address the end market, both B2B and B2C, for solar panels suitable for different types of roofs, facades, vehicles, landfills etc in urban areas. To support this expansion, Midsummer is looking into issuing Green Bonds of up to SEK 500m [€47.5m; $53.4m].

The company's new business model would include in-house production of solar panels for the end market and the establishment of a network of contract manufacturers in addition to its present production of manufacturing equipment.

A first step in Midsummer's new strategy and product offering is ”Midsummer solar roofs', a standing seam metal roof (shown above) that is integrated with Midsummer's thin film solar panels and with a high energy efficiency. The roofs are delivered pre-installed with solar panels and the installation is as simple as for any standing seam metal roof without solar cells. In order to further simplify for the customers, Midsummer offers installation with turnkey contracts.

Besides building integrated solar roofs, Midsummer's panels are suitable for a range of other roofs - corrugated roofs, membrane roofs, shingles etc - and also facades, vehicles, landfills, tents etc. Midsummer says its solar panels can be walked upon like any other metal roof and the weight does not differ significantly from a standard metal roof, nor does the appearance or the price.

Midsummer solar roofs have an expected lifetime of 25 years with a guarantee of 15 years for the roof, a five-year warranty for the solar panels and a guarantee that the roof delivers 90 percent of the installed peak power after ten years and 80 percent of the installed peak power after 25 years.

The new model solar cell roof is narrower than the previous one, which makes the roof more aesthetically pleasing and also increases the installed power per square meter, according to the company. Midsummer solar roofs also offer the option to connect the solar panels with each other for longer roofs, which means that Midsummer can supply its metal roof with integrated solar panels in lengths up to 12 metres.

“In recent years, solar energy and the installation of solar panels has grown rapidly across the world,” said Sven Lindström. CEO. Midsummer. “In order for this development to continue and for even more customers to be attracted by it, products with stylish design are required. We take the next step in this development with our refined metal roof Midsummer solar roofs. With the solar panels pre-integrated into the roof, this product is a no-brainer for both new buildings and for many older buildings.”