The RE+ 2025 tradeshow recently concluded, highlighting significant advancements in solar panel technology. While the industry buzz around "Made in America" panels has shifted towards "FEOC-compliant" solutions, the focus remains on technological innovation and product differentiation. This year’s event saw a move towards more standardized technology, with half-cut cells and PERC or TOPCon configurations becoming the norm. However, several companies presented unique offerings that captured attention.
Key Takeaways
- A notable trend at RE+ 2025 was the shift from "Made in America" marketing to "FEOC-compliant" designations, reflecting new federal regulations.
- Solar panel technology is becoming more standardized, with half-cut cells and PERC/TOPCon as dominant configurations.
- Several companies showcased innovative panel designs addressing specific market needs, such as enhanced durability and lightweight construction.
Enhanced Durability with Thicker Glass
Imperial Star Solar, a Texas-based assembler, collaborated with Erthos to develop a solar panel featuring 4-mm thick glass. This robust design is specifically engineered to withstand larger and more intense hail storms, a critical concern in the industry. Erthos, a flat-ground project developer, positions panels directly on the earth, leaving them vulnerable to direct hail impacts. The thicker glass provides superior protection. While heavier, this increased weight is not a concern for ground-mounted systems without racking. The sturdier panel also offers an advantage for robotics and cleaning equipment that glide across the surface.
Ultralight Panels with High Domestic Content
Bila Solar, based in Indianapolis, is pushing the boundaries of domestic content with its ultralight, frameless solar panels. These panels sandwich solar cells between polymer sheets, forgoing traditional glass and frames. This innovative design significantly reduces weight, making it an ideal solution for commercial rooftops with limited load-bearing capacity. By utilizing their proprietary polymer blend, Bila Solar can achieve over 85% domestic content, simplifying compliance with domestic content requirements for mounting systems and other balance-of-system components.
Innovative Curved Tile Panels for Residential Use
Hounen Solar presented a unique 50-W curved tile solar panel designed for residential applications. This nine-cell Heterojunction (HJT) setup is available in four distinct color "backsheets" – night black, sky gray, brick red, and sunny orange – allowing for aesthetic integration with various roof designs. The junction box is discreetly located on the backside, nestled in one of the curved roof’s peaks. Weighing only 12 lbs and lacking glass, these panels offer a lightweight alternative for residential installations. While the method of securing the panels to the roof is still under development, this design could prove beneficial for the challenging installation of solar arrays on curved tiles.
Sources
- Solar panel technology standouts from RE+ 2025, Solar Power World.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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