Bila Solar to Launch 520W Glass-Free Solar Panel with 19.3% Efficiency at RE+

Bila Solar, an innovative manufacturer of ultralight solar solutions, is poised to introduce a new 520-watt glass-free solar panel at RE+, North America’s largest clean energy event, scheduled for September 10-12, 2024, in Anaheim, California. The panel, which weighs just 24.47 lbs and features 19.3% module efficiency, will be available for sale in early 2025 and manufactured in Indiana. Certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), this product represents a leap in solar technology.

The panel's design allows for versatile installation methods, including quick-bonding and removable mechanical mounting. It is pre-integrated with mounting hardware and brackets, making it adaptable for various commercial rooftop setups. This innovation meets the demand for lightweight photovoltaic (PV) panels that can be mechanically fastened to rooftops, according to Mick McDaniel, Bila’s VP & U.S. General Manager. He emphasized the company's commitment to advancing solar technology and its dedication to making solar energy more accessible and efficient. The new Indianapolis facility will expedite bringing this innovative solution to market, supporting sustainable energy and local economic growth.

Key features of this new solar panel include its lightweight design, weighing just 24.47 lbs or 0.825 pounds per square foot, making it one of the lightest panels on the market. It also supports multiple installation methods, such as roof adhesives and removable mechanical mounting, offering flexibility for different projects. The use of advanced, patented composite materials reduces light reflection and enables new assembly options, ensuring long-lasting performance. The panel guarantees at least 84.8% of its nominal output power after 25 years. It boasts a high power output of 520 watts, featuring 144 half-cut monocrystalline cells for efficient energy production.

The panel’s compact and sturdy design measures 88.4 inches by 48.31 inches by 1.59 inches (2246 mm x 1227.8 mm x 40.5 mm) and weighs 24.47 lbs (11.1 kg). It includes a composite frame and an IP68-rated junction box for enhanced durability. Additionally, the panel operates efficiently in extreme temperatures, ranging from -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C), with a temperature coefficient of -0.34% per Fahrenheit degree, ensuring consistent performance.

Bila Solar’s fully-automated manufacturing facility in Indianapolis is expected to begin production of all product lines in December of this year. At full scale, the facility will produce one gigawatt (GW) of innovative glassless, frameless solar modules annually, equivalent to around 5,000 modules daily. This development is crucial for meeting the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions and contributes significantly to the renewable energy sector.