Technology
Ascent is a leader in flexible CIGS thin-film photovoltaic technology
What differentiates Ascent thin-film?
Ascent's thin-film photovoltaic (PV) panels are manufactured using cutting-edge Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide (CIGS) chemistries with patented monolithic integration.
Our patent-protected manufacturing processes enable us to precisely apply layers of these elements on a thin polyimide substrate, and to laser interconnect cells, to create high power PV panels that are light-weight, flexible, resilient and optimized to application.
And by using advanced roll-to-roll manufacturing techniques, Ascent is able to produce rolls of thin-film PV in dimensions of up to 1km long by 1m wide, that have a low Levelised Cost of Energy (LCoE), and high energy yield.
-
Light-weight
Starting with an ultra thin, 25 micron (µ), polyimide base film, the final thickness of Ascent's thin film is 52µ. For reference, a human hair is on average 72µ thick. This ultra thin construction has the benefit of being incredibly lightweight at 68.4 g/m².
-
Flexibility
Utilizing a polyimide substrate enables Ascent's finished cell to be extremely flexible. Our lamination and encapsulation approaches allow our cells to maintain their flexibility while ensuring that our solar films will not crack or shatter.
-
Resilient
Our laser interconnected cells with monolithic integration integrate solar cells in series, ensuring that Ascent modules continue to deliver power even if individual cells are shaded, covered or impact-damaged.
-
Optimized for application
Our flexible laser patterning process enables customization of shape, dimension and electrical output of submodules to meet individual application requirements with scalability and beautiful aesthetics.
We also offer optional laminations and back-sheet materials such as multi-layer polymers, aluminum or even coated steel to provide additional encapsulation and long-term protection against the effects of extreme environments.
What are the benefits of Monolithic Integration?
Monolithic Integration (MI) is the patented design feature that Ascent uses to manufacture solar cells. MI enables highly resilient solar modules while also reducing overall cell and system part count, resulting in a high performance product with reduced risk.
Additionally, MI enables modules and arrays to have a specific footprint and power output with custom options for voltage and current.
MI means that Ascent solar modules can be easily designed for a wide variety of outputs, will not crack or shatter if impacted, and will continue to operate, in cloudy or overcast conditions or even if individual cells are damaged.
Resilience
The patented design of each cell allows power to be collected at more points within the solar module.
More collection points results in system redundancy and unchallenged durability. Ascent's PV will continue to generate power in the event of surface damage or partial light conditions.
Risk Reduction
Eliminating excessive connection points and the overall number of parts in each cell and array, there are fewer potential points of failure, making Ascent's PV an elegantly simple power solution.
Custom Outputs
All modules are optimized to meet customer power, size and environmental requirements.
The Metric that Matters: Specific Power
Ascent thin-film PV outperforms traditional panels
Specific Power refers to a power-to-weight ratio for a system or component, specifically watts per kilogram.
This rate is the most important factor for solar applications where where overall array mass is crucial, such as those in Space, Aerospace or even low load-bearing roof use cases found in BIPV.
Ascent thin-film delivers an impressive 450 w/kg (AM 1.5), a specific power output that demonstrably outperforms traditional technologies.
Technology Comparison
