Optics technology transforms solar industry economics
Finnish technology company ICS has developed a technology platform and a film solution that provides a 5%-10% increase in energy output for conventional solar modules and even higher gains for more advanced applications.
This technology significantly enhances solar energy economics and brings solar energy to the front line of sustainable energy solutions on a global scale.
The Solar Energy Optics (SEO) film solution is one of the key outcomes from comprehensive industrial research and development around light guide technology. “We have found a way to capture and very precisely redirect light beams” explains Kari Rinko, CTO at ICS. “Our SEO film technology is based on embedded cavity optics, which is not exposed to external influences or contamination and therefore lasts as long as the solar panel itself. The SEO film is as effective as if the optics would be mounted on the whole surface of the solar panel.”
The SEO film technology has a comprehensive patent portfolio, the technology proving to be more effective than any previously introduced and tested light capturing methodology. “We use an ultra-thin film produced in a cost-efficient roll-to-roll process” Mr Rinko says. “Thus, our technology is truly scalable and ready for seamless industrial adoption on a global scale. This unique technology platform determines and enables the new sustainable energy goals for the whole photovoltaic industry.”
The SEO solution has been tested by independent third parties like the Fraunhofer ISE, whose tests concur with ICS’ own experiments confirming a boost in the range of 5%-10% for conventional solar modules. “One distinct feature of the SEO film solution is that the film layer is applied only on the surrounding rims, either onto the top or the bottom glass” Kari Rinko confirms. “Since it does not cover the entire surface of the solar cells, it offers economic benefits given the saving in material costs.”
Mr Rinko points out that the SEO technology focuses on controlling and redirecting more sunlight into the solar cells, not on the structure of the mono- and poly-crystalline silicon cells themselves.
