Through the use of a proprietary process, PowerFilm is the first – and only – company that manufacturers and sells flexible solar panels – “monolithically-integrated solar panels on plastic using a true roll-to-roll manufacturing process”. Former 3M research physicists, Dr. Frank Jeffrey and Dr. Derrick Grimmer, founded the company in 1988 with a goal to develop and manufacture thin film panels in high volume and at low cost. The two scientists have a combined 65 years of experience in the semiconductor and solar energy research and development fields.
The benefits of this product are numerous. Roll-to-roll manufacturing decreases material handling costs, printed interconnects enable automated connection of individual cells, and the production of flexible solar panels requires as little as 1% of the amount of silicon used in rigid crystalline panels. In addition, the sunlight absorber layer is cadmium free (environmentally friendly), as well as a commercially viable, low cost technology. PowerFilm panels are 13 inches wide and can be up to 2,400 feet long.
– from trendir
You can learn how to make solar panels to go green too! I use my home made solar panel to heat my swimming pool – Keep Green