Global Solar Looks to Answer Solar Dilemma with Stick-On Solar Panels

Global Solar Energy Inc.—known for its CIGS thin-film solar cells—hopes to bypass cumbersome infrastructure with its new stick-on solar panels. Stick-on solar panels? Yes, I did just say that. The company claims their new PowerFlex BIPV modules can be adhered directly onto a roof or built into roofing materials. In theory, this would remove the need for the heavy-duty racking systems often needed to support the glass-covered panels.

They may be onto something here, when you place this latest press release in a bigger context. the top three concerns with solar energy infrastructure are: high cost, efficiency, and inconsistent energy output. Global Solar’s BIPV modules may have an answer.

A lot of high cost with solar is related to installation; changing roof structures, adding electrical etc. Depending on how readily the PowerFlex modules can be connected to residential electrical panels, they do create a more cost-efficient means of installation. They are lighter and don’t require penetrating through a roof for anchoring.

In regards to efficiency, Global Solar is already being lauded for its work getting past the typical 13% solar efficiency threshold held by most PV panels. The size of BIPV modules: aprox. 19 ft long and 1.5 ft wide, also make for thorough surface-area coverage.

Global Solar is also changing the market with its new technology, pushing other companies to compete and/or change their usual methods of investment and design.

“As more companies enter the thin-film market, the technology will continue to create new innovations and possibilities for solar energy’s future,”  said Mike Gering, president and CEO of Global Solar.

“Our PowerFlex Solar Strings help harness this potential, driving thin-film adoption by delivering the only drop-in offering that makes the technology accessible to any interested original equipment manufacturer.”