Bila Solar is set to introduce a groundbreaking 520-watt glass-free solar panel at RE+ 2024, North America's premier clean energy event. This innovative panel boasts a 19.3% module efficiency and weighs only 24.47 lbs, making it one of the lightest options available for commercial rooftops. Scheduled for availability in early 2025, the panel is manufactured in Indiana and has received certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), marking a significant advancement in solar technology.
The panel's design addresses several industry challenges, including weight limitations and installation flexibility on commercial rooftops. Mick McDaniel, Bila's VP & U.S. General Manager, highlighted the product's versatility, noting its compatibility with various installation methods such as quick-bonding and removable mechanical mounting. The panel's lightweight nature, at just 0.825 psf, opens new possibilities for installations on roofs with low load-bearing capacity.
Featuring advanced technology, the panel uses a patented composite material to reduce light reflection and enhance assembly options, ensuring long-term performance. It guarantees at least 84.8% of nominal output power after 25 years, offering customers reliability and efficiency. The panel's compact and durable design, equipped with a composite frame and IP68-rated junction box, is built to withstand diverse environmental conditions, operating efficiently in temperatures from -40°F to 185°F.
Bila Solar's commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by its fully-automated manufacturing facility in Indianapolis, which is expected to begin production in December. The facility aims to produce one gigawatt of glassless, frameless solar modules annually, equivalent to about 5,000 modules per day at full capacity. This development is poised to significantly impact the commercial solar sector by providing a lightweight, efficient, and versatile solar solution that facilitates the broader adoption of renewable energy.
The introduction of Bila Solar's glass-free panel at RE+ 2024 is anticipated to attract considerable attention from industry professionals, policymakers, and potential customers. As the global community increasingly embraces renewable energy to combat climate change and achieve energy independence, innovations like this play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to a sustainable future.
