PVflex receives certification for flexible CIGS solar module

Flexible CIGS solar modules for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) company, PVflex Solar, has successfully completed comprehensive field tests on flat roofs, becoming the first European supplier to obtain IEC 61646 and 61730 certification.

PVflex’s flexible lamination gives hope to new possibilities for the deployment of CIGS cells, marking the beginning of a new chapter for BIPV applications in terms of effectiveness, cost and system economics.

The company’s BIPV solution, which has been patented, is made possible by the specially developed barrier technology, which protects the sensitive CIGS solar cells against water and water vapor over the long term. PVflex is able to use competitively priced films that are already established in the market as opposed to expensive, delicate high-barrier films.

Erik Theilig, CEO of PVflex Solar said, “A long-lasting flexible module based on established processes using materials readily available in the market is a technological breakthrough. We have been developing and refining our technology since 2006, with a clear focus on meeting the requirements of our roofing industry partners. Now we are working on the market introduction in close cooperation with market-leading manufacturers of roofing materials. Our unique cost advantages and unrivaled ease of installation are likely to generate high awareness and acceptance for our product in the marketplace.”

The flexible modules feature a number of advantages, especially for bonding on flat and curved roofs – in commercial and industrial rooftop applications in particular.