Two US-based developers of ultra-thin and flexible solar materials have earned deals and projects this summer, to aid the commercial chances of their respective technologies in the growing market for architectural fabrics.
In August PowerFilm unveiled a strategic partnership with French firm Ferrari Textiles whereby the two companies develop and bring to market a new solar product. The product will be for awnings, shades and other fabric-based structures, a promising segment of the building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) market.
Ferrari Textiles, founded in 1973, supplies architectural fabrics to the global building industry used to provide shade or protecting structures from UV radiation and other wear and tear from the elements.
Distribution
PowerFilm's core technology, amorphous silicon solar cells made on a roll-to-roll process, can be used in several building applications and the company is partnering with a few key suppliers with established distribution routes into the construction industry, like Ferrari Textiles.
The Iowa-based firm's solar technology is light, flexible and durable, making it suitable for outdoor use.
The solar fabric building product is undergoing testing in preparation for commercial launch in the coming months.
SkyShades recently announced the first commercial project using its solar-integrated shade product for architectural and building infrastructures. The client is Great White Shark Enterprises, which is using the material in a green parking structure for generating electricity, as well as providing shade from bright sunlight.
SkyShades, which has operations in Florida, US and Brisbane, Australia, developed its solar shade material based on panels of organic solar cells supplied by technology firm Konarka. The two companies began collaborating in January 2008.
SkyShades supplies its textile and membrane-based awnings and shades to several markets including hotels and resorts, schools and playgrounds, restaurants, bars, car dealerships and malls.
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Documents and links
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PowerFilm
PowerFilm Solar produces amorphous silicon photovoltaics for building integration
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SkyShades
SkyShades produces solar awnings using Konarka’s PowerPlastic
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Ferrari Textiles
The fabric manufacturer is working with PowerFilm on a solar cell textile for awnings
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Konarka
Website for the developers of organic solar cells
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Building design and the potential of third-generation solar cells
Ingo B Hagemann, architect and building-integrated photovoltaic consultant, discusses opportunities and challenges for organic solar cells and other third-generation photovoltaic technologies in the building and construction industry
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DSC-IC 2010
Webpage for the 4th International Conference on the Industrialisation of Dye Solar Cells
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The Future of Flexible and Thin-Film PVs
Technology forecasts to 2019, published by IntertechPira
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