SoloPower Broadens its Product Line by Offering the World's Most Powerful Certified Flexible CIGS Module

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- SoloPower, Inc., a California-based manufacturer of flexible, thin film solar cells and modules, continues to make steady progress with the successful expansion of its product line to include the newly certified SFX3 module.  Capable of producing up to 260 Wp, the SFX3 is the most powerful flexible, certified, thin film CIGS module available for purchase in the marketplace today.  SoloPower's aperture efficiency also continues to improve with NREL measuring flexible modules made on the company's production line as high as 12.1%.  

Following in the footsteps of the narrower SFX1 module, which was the first flexible CIGS module certified to both UL 1703 and IEC (61646 and 61730) standards, the wider and more powerful SFX3 module greatly broadens the company's product offering in the global marketplace.

"Achieving the certification of both our wide and narrow modules to the necessary UL and IEC standards allows us to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions to a broad range of market channels and geographies," stated SoloPower CEO Tim Harris.  "With the SFX3 module passing the same certification standards as the SFX1 recently did, we can deliver powerful, lightweight products optimized for use on both low-slope and standing-seam metal roof systems in Europe, North America and Asia."  

"Breaking through the 12% aperture efficiency barrier for production line modules is an added bonus, and highlights our company's focus on continual product improvement," stated Harris.  "The fact that we've been able to improve our aperture efficiency from 11.2% to 12.1% over the past 6 months while simultaneously beginning to deliver products to the global marketplace is a testament to the SoloPower team's effectiveness."

SoloPower CTO Mustafa Pinarbasi added: "SoloPower has the first and only flexible CIGS products today certified to both UL 1703 and IEC (61646 and 61730) standards.  This illustrates SoloPower's technological edge.  Our high power SFX3 panel enhances the company's position in the flexible solar segment and demonstrates our drive to lower the cost of solar power to grid parity."

SoloPower is in the process of shipping SFX1 and SFX3 modules to customers in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, and Korea, as well as to multiple locations in North America.  Demand is rapidly building for these high-efficiency modules packaged in a durable, lightweight, flexible form.  The SFX1 module (up to 85Wp, 0.292m x 3.05m, 2.27kg /5lbs.) and SFX3 module (up to 260 Wp, 0.88m x 3.05m, 6.8kg/15lbs.) are currently manufactured at the San Jose, California production facility.  At slightly less than 0.5 lb. per sq. ft., the thin film modules produced by SoloPower weigh significantly less than traditional solar panels, which are often too heavy to be placed in large numbers on older buildings.  

SoloPower's flexible CIGS module achieved IEC 61646 and IEC 61730 certifications through TUV SUD America, Inc.; and the ETL Mark certification to the UL 1703 standard through Intertek.  

About SoloPower

SoloPower, Inc. produces low-cost, high-power, flexible thin film photovoltaic modules that offer a viable alternative to the electricity produced using traditional fossil fuels.  SoloPower's durable, lightweight modules employ its solar cell devices fabricated with copper indium gallium di-selenide (CIGS) materials, using a proprietary roll-to-roll electrodeposition process.  The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley at 5981 Optical Court, San Jose, California 95138.  For more information on SoloPower, please visit the company on the Internet at www.solopower.com.

About TUV SUD America Inc.

TUV SUD America Inc., a subsidiary of TUV SUD AG, is a business-to-business engineering services firm providing international safety testing and certification services. Founded in 1987, TUV SUD America has grown to more than 600 experts in over a dozen locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Operating under the brand names of Product Service, Management Service, Industry Service, Automotive and PetroChem, TUV SUD America has partnered with thousands of companies throughout the NAFTA region, assuring product and management systems excellence, and acceptance in the global marketplace.  Renewable Energy Test Center located in Fremont, California is TUV SUD America's partner for photovoltaic testing and certification under TUV SUD America's accreditation scope.  For more information on TUV SUD America Inc. and RETC, please visit www.TUVamerica.com, and www.retc-ca.com

About Intertek

Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 26,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world. For more information on Intertek, visit www.intertek.com/solar

SOURCE SoloPower, Inc.