Integration of flexible solar cells in plastic and composite materials

Processes have been developed to integrate CIGS solar foils directly in plastic or composite based products. Using injection moulding and vacuum forming it turned out that mechanical stress is applied to the solar foil upon cooling. Using intermediate stress relief layers such as polyolefin this could be reduced considerably. The high temperatures needed in injection moulding have only a minimal effect on the performance of the solar cells. Making curved products is possible with the solar foils, leading to new markets for solar energy. Outdoor performance is attractive, but indoors only applications that require little power are feasible.