OPES Solutions ultra-light flexible solar modules reduces weight by two thirds

March 14, 2018
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The module backside is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) on which mono or polycrystalline solar cells are laminated is the key to the weight reduction. Image: OPES Solutions

OPES Solutions a 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. The new ultra-light solar module reduces module weight by two thirds when compared to conventional crystalline modules. 

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Integrated solar application modules and the ability to offer customization services for individual solar needs have been limited as large manufacturers with high degree of automation cannot serve this segment, while small-scale manufacturers often lack the engineering know-how about innovative modules, investment and quality controls.

Solution

The module backside is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) on which mono or polycrystalline solar cells are laminated is the key to 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. 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

Applications

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.

Platform

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 company has had its off-grid solar modules with outputs of 0.9 watts and above with mono- and polycrystalline solar cells certified by TÜV Nord in accordance with the IEC 61215 and 61730 standards. Especially for solar home system providers, the use of IEC 61215-tested modules facilitates quality certification for the World Bank’s Lighting Global platform. 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. 

Availability

Currently available.

Read Next

October 16, 2025
US utility-scale solar additions grew by 56% in 2024, reaching 30GW from 2023’s 19GW and representing over 54% of all new electricity generation capacity added in the country last year.
October 15, 2025
Independent power producer (IPP) Geronimo has begun construction on it’s150MW solar project in Illinois and commissioned the 125MW PV project in Michigan.
October 15, 2025
Indian module manufacturer Saatvik Green Energy, through its subsidiary Saatvik Solar Industries, has secured solar PV module orders worth INR6.89 billion (US$78 million).
Premium
October 14, 2025
OCI Holdings’ decision this week to buy a Vietnamese solar wafer facility to supply the US solar cell manufacturing industry makes clear the biggest vulnerability facing the sector today.
October 13, 2025
Korean chemical production firm OCI Holdings has acquired a 65% stake in a Vietnamese solar wafer production plant, intending to export solar wafers to the US.
October 13, 2025
US solar manufacturer T1 Energy has acquired a minority stake in fellow US-based solar cell producer Talon PV.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK