Solyndra

Solyndra Photovoltaic Panels:  Using Solyndra’s proprietary cylindrical CIGS modules and thin-film technology, Solyndra systems are designed to provide the lowest installation cost per system and the highest annual solar electrical energy output for typical low slope commercial rooftops.

Wind naturally flows through the gaps between the modules in the  Solyndra panel, greatly simplifying mounting requirements. Even in areas with high winds, there is no need for roof-penetrating mounts or ballast to hold the Solyndra panels in place. The Solyndra panels have been tested and are certified for use in winds of up to 130mph. Further, having a distributed rooftop load of 3.3lbs/sf, The Solyndra self-ballasting systems can be used on buildings that would otherwise require structural reinforcement to harvest solar power. Additionally, the Solyndra panels impart negligible resultant upward or downward wind loads on a roof structure.

Conventional flat PV panels must be mounted at an angle and spaced apart for optimum energy production. The sunlight striking the spaces between the panels is not collected and therefore is wasted. As shown in the illustrations below, the Solyndra panels perform optimally when mounted horizontally and packed closely together, thereby covering significantly more of the available roof area and producing more electricity per rooftop on an annual basis than a conventional panel installation.

The Solyndra system’s ability to cover more roof and capture more light results in more annual solar electricity generation. the Solyndra panels employ cylindrical modules which capture sunlight across a 360-degree photovoltaic surface capable of converting direct, diffuse and reflected sunlight into electricity. This self-tracking design allows the Solyndra PV systems to capture more sunlight than traditional flat-surfaced solar panels, which require costly tilted mounting devices to improve the capture of direct light, offer poor collection of diffuse light and fail to collect reflected light from rooftops or other installation surfaces.

Natural airflow between the Solyndra cylindrical modules results in lower operating temperatures than conventional flat-plate modules. Lower operating temperatures provide higher energy output and improved reliability.

Solyndra Advantages:

1. No anchoring or ballast is required avoiding roof penetrations.  The horizontally mounting and unique characteristics of the panel design, allow air to pass thru making them up-lift neutral up to 130mph winds.  This makes the Solyndra panels ideal for the strong winds that we may experience here in the Caribbean and Puerto Rico.
2. Solyndra panels are mounted horizontally and do not require inclination or spacing, which allows more coverage of the roof area available.  This results in a higher production of energy per area than conventional photovoltaic panels when used in conjunction with the white roofing membrane.
3. The design of the Solyndra panels have the advantage of receiving sunlight directly as well as diffused (indirect) and reflected.  When combined with an ultra white roofing membrane, the sunlight reflected will produce an additional 20% of energy output.
4. Since the Solyndra panel design allows air to pass thru, they will operate at a lower temperature.  The outcome of a panel operating at lower temperatures will be a higher operating voltage and therefore a more efficient performance.
5. Solyndra panels have a 25 year power output warranty.