SunFlex Solar develops a laser-welding technology that interconnects silicon back-contact solar cells using embossed aluminum foil, significantly reducing the reliance on copper and silver. This approach enables the production of high-efficiency solar modules exceeding 22% efficiency at a cost comparable to lower-efficiency PERC panels, addressing the high material costs that hinder the adoption of advanced solar technologies.
Funding
$150K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
High material costs, particularly the use of copper and silver, hinder the widespread adoption of high-efficiency back-contact solar cells in photovoltaic (PV) modules. Traditional interconnection methods for these cells rely on substantial amounts of these expensive materials, making them less cost-competitive compared to lower-efficiency alternatives.
Solution
SunFlex Solar has developed a laser-welding technology that uses embossed aluminum foil to interconnect silicon back-contact solar cells, significantly reducing the need for copper and silver. This Sunfoil technology enables the production of high-efficiency solar modules exceeding 22% efficiency at a cost comparable to conventional PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) panels. The technology is compatible with multiple module flavors, including rigid, flexible, curved, and foldable designs, and is proven to pass industry-standard environmental and quality tests, including IEC 61215 and NREL's combined accelerated stress testing (C-AST) program. By reducing material costs and enabling high efficiency, SunFlex aims to make back-contact solar cells a more economically viable option for PV module manufacturers.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes solar module manufacturers looking to produce high-efficiency, cost-effective modules, as well as architects and designers interested in building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions and vehicle-integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) applications.
Features
- Sunfoil module technology interconnects back-contact solar cells (MWT and IBC) with patterned, embossed aluminum foil.
- Proprietary laser-welding method connects the foil to the cells without requiring electrically conductive adhesives.
- Reduces silver paste usage on back-contact cells by nearly 50%, further decreasing material costs.
- Achieves module efficiencies greater than 22%.
- Proven durability, passing IEC 61215, UL 61730, and NREL C-AST standards.
- Compatible with rigid, flexible, curved, and foldable module designs.
- Suitable for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV).