DEVELOPING MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR FLEXIBLE ROOFTOP APPLICATIONS OF PV USING FLEXIBLE CIGS TECHNOLOGY: MARKET CONSIDERATIONS

摘要

There has been a recent upsurge in developments for building-integrated phototovoltaics (BiPV) rooftop materials based on CIGS. Several new companies have increased their presence and are looking to bring products tomarket for this application in 2011. For roof-top application, there are significant key requirements beyond just havinggood conversion efficiency. Other attributes include lightweight, as well as moisture-proof, and fully functionallyreliable. The companies bringing these new BIPV/BAPV products need to ensure functionality with a rigorous series oftests, and have an extensive set of "torture" tests to validate the capability. There is a convergence of form, aesthetics,and physics to ensure that the CIGS BiPV deliver on their promises. This article will cover the developments in thissegment of the BiPV market and delve into the specific tests and measurements needed to characterize the products. Thepotential market sizes are evaluated and the technical considerations developed.