News Article
SoloPower shows off next generation of solar solutions
The flexible thin-film solar cell and module CIGS manufacturer, is seeking to make solar the main source of power for world's commercial and industrial buildings, which consume 40% of electricity
San Jose, California-based SoloPower, has revealed its next generation of integrated CIGS 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 at the same time as optimising module performance for commercial and industrial rooftops.
"At SoloPower, 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 Bruce Khouri, President and Chief Commercial Officer, SoloPower. "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."
SoloPower's new suite of solar solutions and installation systems enable the modules to perform optimally and to be integrated into a variety of roof systems globally. The new products are described below.
The SoloPanel SF1 and SP1 modules are optimised for twelve-inch and sixteen-inch standing-seam metal roof integration.
The SoloPanel SP3L and SP3S are large format modules suited to commercial and industrial low-slope building applications.
SoloSaddle is 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.
The SoloWedge is 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.
The final product, the SoloBridge is a non-penetrating kit designed to easily integrate the SP3L into metal roofing systems.
The introduction of SoloPower's next generation of solar solutions comes at a time when the company is hiring for its high-volume manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon, which will begin commercial production later this year. SoloPower's operations in Portland are 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," adds Tim Harris, Chief Executive Officer, SoloPower. "Portland's highly skilled work force has enabled us to draw on very strong local talent as we create jobs and promote smart job-growth in the energy sector."
SoloPower's proprietary approach embodies critical technology, manufacturing, and cost advantages that enable large-scale "fab-style" production of high-efficiency CIGS-based photovoltaic cells. The CIGS cells are then packaged into unique, flexible, lightweight solar modules that require less balance-of-system hardware and are easier to install than traditional silicon solar panels.
SoloPower's 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.
The firm's modules also have low profile bypass diodes that allow for maximum performance in the shade. The company says 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 true flexibility for an large range of applications.
