Sulfurcell offers CIS thin-film solar modules in US market for first time

LOS ANGELES, USA: Sulfurcell, one of the leading manufacturers of CIS/CIGSe-based thin-film solar modules in the world, today announced the initiation of US operations.

Sulfurcell’s full line of highly aesthetic German-made CIS thin-film modules is now available in the United States for a variety of rooftop and building integrated applications. The Berlin based company, which is partly financed by Intel Capital, plans to develop a robust network of system integrators and installers throughout North America in the coming months.

“We’re confident Sulfurcell’s industry-leading thin-film modules will enjoy broad adoption in the American market,” said Nikolaus Meyer, CEO of Sulfurcell. “Sulfurcell’s thin-film modules combine black-tile aesthetics and high performance within a wide range of temperatures making them ideal for building integrated, residential and commercial rooftop applications.”

Sulfurcell’s North American operations will be run out of new offices in Los Angeles, CA.

Sulfurcell’s copper-indium-sulfide (CIS) thin-film solar power modules have a smooth black appearance and a compact format. The combination of color, size and quality make them a very attractive building integrated photovoltaics choice for leading architects and discerning property owners.

An excellent temperature co-efficient ensures high yields at hot locations, making them an ideal choice for desert utility-scale projects. The company’s product offering includes framed, frameless, and roof-integrated modules.

Sulfurcell thin-film modules were first made available to the European market in 2005. The modules are IEC-certified and exceed standards. For example, they maintain their performance not only when aged for the standard 1,000 hours at 85°C and 85 percent humidity but also after 2,000 hours. Sulfurcell’s CIS-based production process enables substantially thinner PV modules and requires only half the energy used for manufacturing conventional solar modules.

Since initiating commercial-scale production in 2005, the company has manufactured and sold over 100,000 modules, making it one of the three largest manufacturers of CIS/CIGSe-based thin-film modules in the world.

In 2008, Sulfurcell was provided 85 million Euros ($110) in growth financing by renowned international investors, including Intel Capital and the BEU fund supported by Vattenfall Europe and Gaz de France. This capital was utilized for constructing new production facilities and for research and development.