SoloPower Systems of Portland, OR, USA, which designs, manufactures and deploys copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) flexible thin-film solar technology, is collaborating with the US Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC) - an industry-led collaboration headquartered at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the State University of New York (SUNY) in Albany, NY - as a strategic technology partner. Under the agreement, PVMC will provide specialized technology services to SoloPower Systems to develop thin-film solar.
Created as part of the US Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative, PVMC has extensive experience and expertise in photovoltaic technologies, including roll-to-roll CIGS PV technology, in both research laboratory and industrial production environments. Since CIGS-based thin-film uses layers just a few microns thick, the materials can be deposited on solid or flexible lightweight substrates, offering capabilities that are more versatile than traditional solar panels. The technology could also prove to be more cost-effective to produce in high volume, SoloPower says.
Our collaboration with PVMC will accelerate the commercial manufacturing ramp-up at Systems’ factory in Portland, and will further support the continuing advancement of our products,” says SoloPower’s chief technology officer Chris Eberspacher.
“Interest in the US Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium continues to grow, further supporting PVMC’s mission to power the research, development, and deployment of sustainable, solar energy-focused solutions,” says its chief operating and technology officer Dr Pradeep Haldar. “We welcome SoloPower to the consortium, where they will be able to tap into advanced solar energy research and expertise to enable high-tech innovation, which continues to be fueled by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s commitment to developing next-generation, clean energy technologies,” he adds.
PVMC is also developing roadmaps and standards to forge industry consensus and address broad issues related to power electronics, module advancements, building integration, testing, and reliability. Additionally, it offers a proving ground for innovative solar technologies and manufacturing processes.
