Joint development with Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP

Berlin, 5 February 2018 - OPES Solutions, a leading supplier of off-grid solar modules for grid independent power supply, has developed an ultra-light solar module together with the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP. While conventional crystalline solar modules weigh around 60 grams per watt, O-Lite Plus modules weigh only about 20 grams per watt. This corresponds to a weight reduction of two thirds. The costs of the new frameless module in series production are on a par with those of conventional modules.

The module backside made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) on which mono or polycrystalline solar cells are laminated is largely responsible for the weight reduction. The tried-and-tested material is also used for rotor blades in the wind industry as well as in shipbuilding and automotive engineering and is particularly cost-effective due to its high production volumes.
"The material know-how and the many years of experience of our partner Gaugler & Lutz will benefit us here," says Robert Händel, founder and CEO of OPES Solutions. Compared to alternative lightweight substrates such as fiberglass or PCB, the PET material used by OPES Solutions is even lighter. Since it is easy to process and has similar coefficients of heat and expansion as solar cells, O-LitePlus modules are also particularly durable.
Flexible off-grid use and integrated connectors
Due to the possibility of producing curved modules and their low weight, O-Lite Plus modules are particularly suitable for weight-sensitive areas of application such as vehicles, boats and small devices, which also place high demands on durability. Due to new and optionally usable variants of junction boxes and connectors, the modules can be plugged together in a modular manner.
The module concept was developed together with the Fraunhofer CSP in Halle. The institute also provided advice on material selection and is responsible for product and durability testing.
Combination of off-grid know-how and research competence is decisive
"For the development of O-LitePlus, we have combined the R&D competence of the Fraunhofer CSP with our off-grid and production experience. It was only through this cooperation that we were able to develop the new ultra-light, durable and attractively priced generation of modules, which is now in demand among other things from vehicle manufacturers and bike sharing providers. As far as we know, the O-LitePlus is the lightest module in the world," continues Robert Händel.
About OPES Solutions
OPES Solutions is a leading supplier of solar modules for off-grid power supply. The company develops and manufactures certified modules with outputs from 0.9 to 270 watts, which are distinguished by flexible design, high durability and an attractive price/performance ratio. The research and development partners of OPES Solutions include the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics. Product development and support are based in Germany, production is located in Changzhou, China.
http://www.opes-solutions.com/
About the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP
The Fraunhofer CSP conducts applied research into silicon crystallization, wafer production, solar cell characterization and module technology, developing in the process new technologies, production processes and product concepts along the entire photovoltaic value chain.
The Centers work is focused on the assessment of the reliability of solar cells and modules under laboratory and operating conditions as well as electrical, optical, mechanical and micro-structural material and component characterization. Focusing its activities in this way enables the Center to develop measurement methods, devices and production processes for compo-nents and materials based on an understanding of failure mechanisms and offers increased levels of reliability.
The portfolio of research activities in the field of photovoltaics is complemented by research into renewable hydrogen production and the storage and utilization of this gas, in particular the development, characterization and testing of new materials for fuel cells and electrolyz-ers, as well as the simulations and economic feasibility studies of decentralized photovoltaic electrolysis systems.
The Fraunhofer CSP is a joint initiative of the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Mate-rials and Systems IMWS and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.
https://www.csp.fraunhofer.de/en.html