SolOptics Fusion optical micro lens technology claims significant boost in PV module power output

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

SolOptics, a division of Genie Lens Technologies, revealed a significant milestone in the performance testing of its Fusion PV enhancement technology. Testing conducted at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has concluded that the Fusion technology increased the overall energy production of the PV modules tested by up to 4%, with performance enhancements for all irradiance ranges.

Fusion is a non-concentrating, customizable optical surface technology that is said to intensify the power output of both new and previously installed PV panels for a production cost of less than US$0.01/W. The SolOptics technology uses micro lens structures that can be incorporated into the protective polymer or glass cover of a PV module, or into a thin polymer film. This is then applied to a silicon or thin-film PV panel while it is in the factory, or already installed in the field.

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

“Our goal is to answer the industry’s call for a technology that has an unmatched performance-to-cost ratio, integrates seamlessly and inexpensively into existing film and glass manufacturing processes, and utilizes readily available and inexpensive materials,” says Genie Lens CEO Seth Weiss. He adds, “The PV industry is seeing a meaningful shift away from glass covers on panels and towards lower cost, lighter, highly resilient polymer covers. Fusion can be incorporated into a polymer cover for virtually no additional cost. At the same time, there are millions of panels being manufactured or already deployed in the field that have glass covers. Fusion will improve the efficiency of these panels as well. We do not know of any other efficiency product that can be applied to both new panels and in an aftermarket context.”

The addition of the Fusion technology was noted as not raising panel temperatures and testing further confirmed that the biggest energy improvements, up to 40%, were seen in higher angles of incidence under clear skies, thus leading to a potentially larger power output in the afternoon and early evening hours. Weiss commented to Greentech Solar that as not only the efficiency, but the power output, saw growth during testing, the Fusion technology could lead to utilities being able to better handle the added stress that peak demand hours bring and possibly avoid added strain on the power grid.

“The unprecedented boost to peak power demand hours for almost no incremental cost should be of particular interest to power companies,” added Genie Lens President & COO Melissa Grossman. “If they can see up to an extra 8% of power output for an investment of only pennies per watt, that translates into more consistent electricity service for their customers and a substantial revenue premium for the power companies.”

Grossman concluded, “Fusion has already made substantial strides toward this goal today. Based on the overwhelming interest from our previous test results with NREL and this most recent performance confirmation, we look forward to finalizing our materials commercialization partner relationship and delivering this product to market as quickly as possible.”

Read Next

September 18, 2025
CERC is finalising guidelines for virtual power purchase agreements (vPPAs) to unlock financing for over 40GW of uncontracted renewable capacity.
September 18, 2025
The capacity of virtual power plants in operation in North America has reached 37.5GW, a 13.7% year-on-year growth, according to Wood Mackenzie.
September 18, 2025
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) has forecast that Canada will add between 17GW and 26GW of solar PV over the next decade.
September 18, 2025
Researchers have called for enhanced international standards to detect ultraviolet-induced degradation (UVID) in PV modules after identifying “severe” levels of the problem in operational n-type panels.             
September 18, 2025
Indian PV makers have welcomed the government’s plan to add solar wafers to its ALMM List-III from June 2028.
September 17, 2025
US renewables developer Longroad Energy has reached financial close for its 400MW 1000 Mile solar project in the US state of Texas.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA