Solarfun SolarIris BIPV modules – more appealing solar panels

We already wrote many articles regarding green architecture where most of the buildings used solar panels which, due to their looks and practicality and looks, mainly end up on the roofs. Chinese PV manufacturer Solarfun Power Holdings unveiled a new line of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules that could change the usual looks of solar panels since they are able to resemble skylights, windows and mirrors.

Solarfun was able to integrate their high efficiency cells into a new module that is both highly reliable and more aesthetically pleasing. As with the rest of Solarfun’s lineup of PV cells and modules, the SolarIris modules will also be compliant with the quality standards that are widely followed in the industry, including ISO 9001, TÜV, CE, and UL.

Unlike typical visual trade-off of other hollow BIPV modules due to the effects of soldering on the back of a cell, the SolarIris modules feature highly-visible and visually pleasing artistic patterns and designs. Built with three layers of glass, SolarIris conforms to architectural requirements for glass thickness and strength, allowing it to be integrated into the roof or walls of a structure in an easy and safe manner. Since they have high light transmittance and insolation properties, SolarIris panels could be suitable for greenhouses, skylights, and even windows.

SolarIris offers a range of design patterns from which to choose, or modules which can be customized to fit any residential or commercial décor. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, SolarIris also offers some structural improvements. The junction box has been sealed in a plastic housing and installed inside the hollow layer of the structure along with the other components. Electrical characteristics, external dimensions, and light transmission can all be adjusted to fit a customer’s specific requirements.

“We are proud to introduce our new SolarIris BIPV modules at Intersolar in Munich,” said Peter Xie, President of Solarfun. “We expect continued growth in the BIPV market and this addition to the Solarfun portfolio offers an attractive PV module that satisfies both our customers’ energy needs and design preferences.”

The new modules have passed more than 2,000 hours of high-temperature and high-humidity aging testing, showing that they are able to deliver energy in adverse conditions throughout their lifespan. The SolarIris BIPVs are being exibited to the public this week at the International Solar (“Intersolar”) Europe Conference in Germany.