COVERSTORY
The panels also work well around roof obstacles and over obstructions like cables still providing easy visibility and access for rooftop maintenance. By allowing air to flow under and around the panels Solyndra panels stay cooler and don’t trap hot air against the roof. This allows them to collect more energy and retains the cooling benefits of a reflective roof and doesn’t contribute to building heating. Due to the design, light snow falls through the panels and the panels actually benefit from the increased albedo (reflected light).
The cylindrical design attracts less dirt and airborne particles, and moisture or rain that lands or forms on the modules works to clean the cylinders. The company recently announced a new solar application for agricultural greenhouse and shade structures that takes advantage of the ability of light to pass through the cylindrical solar panel design. Installation on agricultural structures allows for dual use of land and supports existing agricultural practices while generating electricity.
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The solution enhances plant growth by controlling shading providing growers with an income stream and power for their operations. Research by agricultural establishments, such as CeRSAA in Italy and the Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, have confirmed the nature of the panel design and their ability to support crop growth underneath while generating electricity.
“We are pioneering this new agricultural solar solution in Italy, where extensive shaded agriculture operations combined with strong insolation and a favourable feed-in tariff are driving strong interest and demand,” says Jargon explaining some of the potential growth he can see for the European regions.
Continued growth
Solyndra has also recently announced the closing of a $75 million secured credit facility underwritten
by existing investors. The proceeds will be used to support Solyndra’s capital needs, accelerate cost reduction activities and execute an expanding strategy. Part of this process included the restructuring of the outstanding debt.
Solyndra’s convertible notes have been exchanged for new and the U.S. Department of Energy agreed to certain loan modifications including an extension of the amortization period. CEO Brian Harrison expects the company to be on track for a positive cash flow by year’s end.
Jargon also described partnerships and collaborations the company has been developing as a means to expand the potential of the products including greenhouse manufacturers for the project previously described.
One collaboration was with Swiss based Sika Services, a manufacturer of roofing materials. The companies will work together to promote Sika’s highly reflective roofing products together with Solyndra’s rooftop photovoltaic systems.
“Sika has a strong reputation as a supplier of roofing materials and photovoltaic systems worldwide and we are pleased to work together with them to develop a powerful combined offering for the challenging environment of the commercial rooftop solar market,” said Jargon. “Their knowledge of rooftops and materials combined with our expertise in solar systems will help us work together to generate the highest amount of energy from commercial and industrial rooftops.”
These developments and a commitment to innovation have seen Solyndra become widely discussed in the industry. With a focus on excellence and sustainability the company should still be with us in a few years following the expected contraction of players in the industry as a more mature approach takes over from the gold rush feeling. With a genuinely unique approach and therefore little competition it is not difficult to imagine the company finding its niche and not only surviving but prospering in this ever increasing competitive market place.
© 2011Angel Business Communications. Permission required.
www.solar-pv-management.com Issue III 2011
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