Solarfun launches new SolarIris BIPV module

SHANGHAI, CHINA: Solarfun Power Holdings Co. Ltd, a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and PV cells and modules in China, announced that it will launch its new "SolarIris" line of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules at the International Solar (Intersolar) Europe Conference in Germany, from June 7-11, 2010.

With more than 1,800 exhibitors and 60,000 visitors expected, Intersolar is one of the biggest solar-related trade shows in the world.

Building on its many years of expertise in BIPV, Solarfun was able to integrate its high efficiency cells into a new module that is both highly reliable and aesthetically pleasing.

As with the rest of Solarfun's lineup of PV cells and modules, the SolarIris modules will also be compliant with the quality standards that are widely followed in the industry, including ISO 9001, TUV, CE, and UL.

SolarIris will appeal to the aesthetic preferences of architects, decorators, designers, and consumers. It improves on the typical visual trade-off of other hollow BIPV modules due to the effects of soldering on the back of a cell.

In contrast, the SolarIris module features highly-visible and visually pleasing artistic patterns and designs. Built with three layers of glass, SolarIris conforms to architectural requirements for glass thickness and strength, allowing it to be easily and safely integrated into the roof or walls of a structure. In addition, high light transmittance and insolation properties make SolarIris suitable for greenhouses, skylights, and even windows.

SolarIris offers a range of design patterns from which to choose, or modules which can be customized to fit any residential or commercial decor. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, SolarIris also offers some structural improvements. The junction box has been sealed in a plastic housing and installed inside the hollow layer of the structure along with the other components.

Electrical characteristics, external dimensions, and light transmission can all be adjusted to fit a customer's specific requirements. The new modules have passed more than 2,000 hours of high-temperature and high-humidity aging testing, showing that they are able to deliver energy in adverse conditions throughout their lifespan.

"We are proud to introduce our new SolarIris BIPV modules at Intersolar in Munich," said Peter Xie, President of Solarfun. "We expect continued growth in the BIPV market and this addition to the Solarfun portfolio offers an attractive PV module that satisfies both our customers' energy needs and design preferences."