Offering twice the power per module than competing offerings and a simple, lightweight design that requires no roofing hardware, the Global Solar PowerFLEX BIPV is a breakthrough building product. Leading roofing and building companies around the world have recognized the capabilities of the PowerFLEX BIPV and have signed multi-year, multi-megawatt agreements with Global Solar. In Italy, Global Solar has partnered with ENERGYKA, ISCOM SPA and BA Energy, and is finalizing agreements with other channel partners in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.
"Since introducing PowerFLEX BIPV, there has been a surging interest in its simple and cost-effective way of increasing the value of a rooftop with solar energy generation," said Jean-Noel Poirier, senior vice president of business development and marketing at Global Solar. "There is a lot of demand for laminates on roofs with weight limitations throughout the world. The high efficiency of CIGS [Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide] brings a huge advantage to this market segment, which was limited by the low efficiency of existing flexible laminates."
Last month Global Solar began manufacturing the PowerFLEX BIPV modules at its production facility in Berlin-Adlershof, which has a production capacity of 35 megawatts (MW). Following successful pilot operations earlier this month, staff at the facility is currently manufacturing the flexible thin film modules on a two-shift rotation and a three-shift is planned to be added soon. Additionally, earlier this year, the Global Solar PowerFLEX BIPV roofing module received certification from both the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
"Our UL and IEC certifications, as well as the scale up of our plant in Berlin, allow us to start delivering the product in high volume. Our customers are well positioned in their markets and are developing innovative roofing systems using our module. We are looking forward to a successful collaboration with them," continued Poirier.
The PowerFLEX BIPV roofing panels are a more powerful and cost-effective alternative to traditional heavy and rigid glass solar modules, as well as other flexible PV products. Designed specifically for roofs, the PowerFLEX BIPV maintains the integrity of a building structure, requiring no mounting systems and no penetration of the roofing membrane, while its large format and high-power density deliver lower installation and balance of system (BOS) costs. Additionally, since the module rolls out flat onto the roof, wind load concerns are eliminated.
Global Solar will be showcasing its PowerFLEX BIPV module at booth #7157 at Solar Power International 2011, taking place October 17 — 20 in Dallas, Texas.
"We are gearing up to announce several commercial rooftop and landfill projects in Europe and beyond that will further validate PowerFLEX BIPV as one of the most powerful, cost-effective solar energy solutions," added Poirier.
Since its founding in 1996, Global Solar has emerged as the leader in flexible Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CIGS) thin film solar cell technology. CIGS thin film technology is lightweight and highly efficient. Global Solar’s thin film solar cells are incorporated into a variety of applications ranging from lightweight portable solar chargers, traditional glass solar modules, and building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products and designs.
Global Solar manufactures CIGS cells and modules in two full scale facilities in Tucson, Arizona, USA and in Berlin, Germany, and distributes worldwide.
