by Brianna Crandall — June 3, 2011—Global Solar Energy, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CIGS) solar material, announced June 1 that the Global Solar PowerFLEX BIPV roofing module has received the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61730 and 61646 certifications, as well as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1703 certification. The company says the module is now poised for installation on commercial and industrial rooftops across Europe and the United States.
The PowerFLEX BIPV is a flexible, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) module, designed to quickly and cost-effectively deliver more power per rooftop than any other solar solution, says the company. These IEC and UL certifications demonstrate that the PowerFLEX BIPV module meets stringent safety, reliability and durability requirements set forth by both independent product testing organizations.
Notably, the certifications validate that the Global Solar PowerFLEX BIPV modules can effectively provide safe electrical and mechanical operation during their expected lifetime, are suitable for long-term operation in general open-air climate, and can be freestanding (not attached to buildings), in accordance with the National Electrical Code, National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 70, and Model Building Codes.
The PowerFLEX BIPV delivers a high 12.6 percent aperture efficiency. The module is lightweight and can be applied directly to a roofing surface, requiring no mounting hardware or roof penetrations. It reportedly creates no additional wind load, maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of a building structure. The module has a large format (5.75 m x 0.5 m) and a high power density (300 W), which Global Solar says helps it deliver 50 percent more power than the current amorphous silicon standard.
For more information on Global Solar, please visit their Web site.