Manufacturer of CIS (Copper, Indium, Selenium) solar panels, Solar Frontier, has announced an agreement with Gestamp Solar to acquire 280 MW of its solar power project pipeline.
The agreement will see the development team leading Gestamp Solar’s U.S. operations joining Solar Frontier Americas.
“Solar Frontier’s financial strength and high performance products combined with the experienced development team is sure to enable successful completion of this U.S. pipeline,” said Jorge Barredo Lopez, CEO of Gestamp Solar. “We believe that this vertical integration is a major advantage in future development in the U.S. market.”
Gestamp Solar has developed over 600 megawatts of solar energy projects to date.
Solar Frontier CEO Atsuhiko Hirano said the expansion is part of Solar Frontier’s growth strategy to accelerate its business in key global markets this year and beyond.
Solar Frontier states it has shipped nearly 3 GW of its CIS modules to commercial and utility-scale clients around the world; including an 82.5 MW solar facility locate in California, the largest CIS based array on the planet.
In addition to offering the highest conversion efficiency of any mass-produced thin-film module, Solar Frontier panels do not contain cadmium telluride, a compound of some concern in terms of potential health and environmental impacts.
Heat is the enemy of solar panels; impacting on efficiency. Solar Frontier’s CIS modules have a low temperature coefficient, enabling them to generate more power than typical crystalline silicon modules in hot conditions. The company says when its panels are first exposed to sunlight, they also experience a “light soaking effect,” boosting power output above their initial rating.
Solar Frontier CIS modules also offer performance at lower irradiance levels and enhanced shadow tolerance. The panels are PID-free and being more flexible thin film technology, are not prone to microcracks.
Energy Payback Time (EPT) is rapid, as CIS modules require 60% less energy to produce than standard crystalline silicon modules. The company states an EPT of 0.9 years, as verified by NEDO.
Solar Frontier’s parent company is Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K; which began research into solar technology in the 1970’s. The company commenced commercial crystalline module production in 1983 and started delving into CIS technology in the early 1990’s.
Solar Frontier has gigawatt-scale manufacturing facilities in Miyazaki, Japan.
