News Article
SoloPower's CIGS SoloPanels certified by UL and IEC
The firm's flexible thin-film solar cells and modules are optimised for twelve-inch and sixteen-inch standing-seam metal roof integration
SoloPower has received certification of its next-generation SF1, SP1, and SP3L SoloPanels to both Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.
"Certification to UL and IEC standards for our SoloPanels is a testament to the outstanding work of our technology team, which has a proven track record of industry firsts for flexible CIGS modules," says Tim Harris, CEO, SoloPower. "It represents another step towards our goal of making solar the main source of energy for commercial and industrial buildings worldwide."
SoloPower's remaining next generation module, the SP3S SoloPanel, has been certified to UL standards, and the company anticipates certification to IEC standards in the near term. The SF1 and SP1 SoloPanels are optimised for twelve-inch and sixteen-inch standing-seam metal roof integration. The SP3L and SP3S SoloPanels are optimised for commercial and industrial low-slope building applications.
The firm's new suite of solar solutions feature three first-of-their-kind, easy, non-penetrating installation kits: the SoloSaddle, SoloEdge, and the SoloBridge, which increase application versatility while maximising module performance across rooftops and geographies.
The SoloSaddle integrates the SP3S into membrane-based roofing systems, while a low-slope curve provides self-cleaning and high performance in hot climates. The SoloEdge easily integrates the SP3L into membrane based roofing systems. A five-degree slope provides self-cleaning and high performance in cold climates. The SoloBridge integrates the SP3L into metal roofing systems.
"Being certified to both UL and IEC standards is a significant milestone on the road to full scale commercialisation," adds Bruce Khouri, President & Chief Commercial Officer and a building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) pioneer.
"In addition to bringing to the market world-class, high efficiency, flexible modules, our first-of-their-kind rooftop installation kits are designed to rapidly expand the versatility for commercial and industrial rooftop solar applications. With BIPV as one of the fastest growing segments of the solar industry, we are thrilled to be able to share our unique solutions at Intersolar."
SoloPower will showcase its next generation technology this week at Intersolar North America in San Francisco, one of the largest solar exhibitions in the world. Khouri will speak at Intersolar's "Building Integrated Solutions --Concepts and Applications" session on July 10th. The session will explore the meaning, history, and evolution of BIPV for rooftop applications. On July 12th, Harris will be featured as part of "The Future of PV - A Market and Technology Outlook & CEO Panel."
The certifications come at an exciting time for SoloPower. In June, the company announced an expansion of its senior leadership team to incorporate two veterans of the solar energy space, appointing Paolo Pietrogrande, Chairman of Element Power Solar, as a member of its Board of Directors and Bart Van Ouytsel to lead sales in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
SoloPower is also preparing to open its state-of-the-art, high-volume manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon, which will begin commercial production later this year. Operations in Portland are ultimately expected to have a capacity of 400MW and employ 450 people.
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 packaged into unique, flexible, lightweight solar modules that require less balance-of-system hardware and are easier to install than traditional solar panels.
