This week, a company called SoloPower unveiled a new line of flexible solar panels for commercial rooftops. SoloPower makes thin-film cells from a combination of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium which is then placed on a flexible foil.
The panels are lighter than glass-encased solar panels and can be installed much faster than other types of solar systems, SoloPower CEO Tim Harris said in a statement. The solar panels can be laminated onto rooftops and mounted on racks to tilt the panels. SoloPower is currently applying for a Department of Energy loan to increase its production abilities at their San Jose factory.
July 13th, 2010 at 5:46 am
i would like to know more about flexible solar panels,about the output and cost compaired to trsditional solar panels for sales in India.
July 15th, 2010 at 8:41 am
i want to start a bussiness related installation of solar equippments in the residentional as well as commercial areas. please give me a complete informaion regarding how to get attached and requirements.
July 30th, 2010 at 8:30 am
From what I’ve read about other thin-film solar panels, they generally require about twice as much area to produce the same amount of energy as the classic PV cell. This isn’t a problem in commercial settings where there are often huge rooftops, and if the cost is significantly lower then it could be worth it. It will be interesting to see this sort of technology get further developed.