Solar3D has announced its plan to conduct a study of integrating its 3D solar cells directly into roof tiles, intended to provide information on the economic viability of the 3D solar cells. BIPV roof-mounted systems have a lower power output, partly due to the changing angle of solar irradiation. In theory, the silicon-based, three-dimensional solar cell generates more power due to its wide-angle collection feature.

Solarwatt, based in Dresden, Germany, has launched the new Solarwatt Easy-In roof system, which has been specifically designed for pitched roofs. By replacing conventional roofing tiles, the Easy-In provides a more aesthetical PV solution as well as generating free renewable energy.

Established in the UK solar-renewable market since 1997, Redland has launched a new range of Solar PV Tile systems, offering housing specifiers a fully-integrated PV solution for slate, profile tile and plain tile roofs.

Tenesol has launched a new custom-made dual-glass BIPV module in Europe. The new module gives architects freedom to create tailor-made PV modules to suit individual projects.

The Ecotemis Thin Film Collection glass-glass modules combine high energy performance with customized design to enable versatility and creativity in architectural integration.

Ecotemis have a core competence in manufacturing customized modules according to a company’s specific needs. From the TF Collection, the customer is able to specify a wide range of colors, transparencies, dimensions, light diffusion, electrical output, and thermal and acoustic performance, suited to their project.

Saint-Gobain Solar has launched its new range of LightSwitch solutions, including LightSwitch Frontsheet, LightSwitch Encapsulant, and LightSwitch Frontsheet Complete, as well as a design program for photovoltaics module manufacturers. LightSwitch film products have been designed to provide PV module manufacturers with enhanced performance, durability, and a reduction in total systems cost.

Renusol has developed the VarioSole DS mounting system for use with frameless integrated thin-film modules. The PV on-roof system is based on the Renusol VarioSole for framed modules and has been available since the end of March 2010.

Solarmer Energy has developed modular glass panels that are visually attractive as well as renewable energy generators. The glass photovoltaic panels have been developed in partnership with Joel Berman Glass Studios.

This roof-integrated system, designed for thin-film and laminated PV modules, was developed to meet the specific specifications anticipated in amendments to the FiT law in France. It meets all aesthetic demands and fulfils all expected conditions for maximum FiT compensation. The modules themselves form the watertight layer and the mounting system is almost undetectable underneath them.

Dow Chemical unveiled the Dow Powerhouse solar shingle to a very receptive market. This BIPV technology incorporates solar panel capability in the form of a building material as it looks almost exactly like a roof tile. Dow Solar Solutions (DSS) integrates low-cost, thin-film CIGS PV cells into a proprietary roofing shingle design, which represents a multifunctional solar energy generating roofing product. The product design reduces installation costs because the conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously by roofing contractors.