New Solar Energy Optics technology transforms solar industry economics

• Finnish technology company ICS has developed a unique technology platform and a film solution providing 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 ICS developed Solar Energy Optics (“SEO”) film solution is one of the key outcomes from comprehensive industrial research around light guide technology.  “We have found a way to capture and very precisely redirect light beams”, explains Kari Rinko, CTO at ICS. “SEO technology is based on embedded cavity optics with practical implementation which is not exposed to external influences and contamination.  The SEO film is as effective as if the optics would be mounted on the surface of the solar module. Our technology, with a comprehensive patent portfolio, is more effective than any previously introduced and tested light capturing methodology. SEO film will last as long as the solar module itself”, Rinko continues. “We use an ultra-thin film produced by a cost-efficient roll-to-roll process. Thus, our technology is truly scalable and ready for seamless industrial adoption on a global scale.”

TRANSFORMING SOLAR ENERGY ECONOMICS

The increased power output from solar panels transforms the underlying economics for a solar park for the entire lifetime of the underlying panels. The SEO film solution enhances the amount of light that is led into the solar cells and the solar panels will get the immediate benefit. “I could simply say that more sunlight contributes to more powerful solar module”, comments Rinko.

The SEO solution has been tested by independent third parties like the Fraunhofer ISE. Their tests confirm ICS’s own experiments confirming a boost in the range of 5 – 10 percent for conventional solar modules.

One distinct feature of the SEO film is that the film layer does not cover the entire surface of the solar cells as is applied only on the surrounding rims – which gives economic benefits given the saving in material costs.  “It is important to note that our technology focuses on controlling and redirecting more sunlight into the solar cells – we are not focussed on the structure of the solar cells themselves”, Rinko says. “At the same time, and adding to the core optical technology, we have developed an economical way to produce the film and can apply it on the solar modules in a seamless fashion. Therefore, we can present a truly compelling combination.”

ICS is developing the technology further to enhance the energy boost and value creation potential of the whole platform with subsequent generations for all types of solar modules and thin films. “We are an expert organisation with a proven technology to move to the next stage on our exciting journey. For the near future our priority is to launch the initial production of the SEO film. On a parallel track, we are opening commercial doors with leading global industrial parties who are capturing the significant value creation potential of our technology – be it the SEO film to start with and other transforming solar industry innovations thereafter.

“Our team has an exceptional track record of working with industry and technology leaders such as Amazon, Apple, Nokia, Ericsson and many others. Working with global leaders in the solar industry will be key to the success of ICS” explains Rinko.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

2020 has been a true breakthrough year for ICS and its flagship SEO film product. Following the highly successful SEO film testing which was concluded by Fraunhofer in mid spring, we got a strong investor endorsement through a capital raise thereby securing the capital base for the final development stages and confirmatory testing for the SEO product. Parallel to this, the strong market interest has confirmed the uniqueness and compelling characteristics of the SEO offering. When it comes to the final months of the year, steps for commercial launch and strategies for accelerated global utilization of the SEO technology drive the corporate agenda and priorities.