March-April_2022 - 19

AUTHOR Joe Petrie COVER STORY
Solar components
often have warranties
spanning 20 years.
SUNFLARE
Solar Technology
for Small Airports
CIGS-based solar modules create opportunities
for small airports looking for alternative energy.
DURABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT solar solutions being used
outside of traditional setups are offering small airports
an opportunity to take advantage of environmental
and economic benefits of solar energy.
The Sunflare LiteMount 60 uses Copper Indium Gallium
Diselenide solar (CIGS) cells. CIGS-based modules are more
durable than silicon modules.
" Each solar module is made up of a bunch of these CIGS
stainless steel cells, which gives it a lot of structure and durability, "
said Josh Held, vice president of product integration
known as " sputtering. " The application process also differs.
While silicon panels require heavy aluminum frames and ballasts,
Sunflare CIGS flexible panels are applied with a proprietary
double-sided tape.
" Airports have a lot of lightweight metal-topped buildings,
such as hangars or storage facilities, " Held said. " This
product works really well for that because lightweight metal
top buildings can't handle the weight of traditional solar panels.
" A building that can't handle traditional solar now has the
option of putting a solar module on top of it and using that
real estate to now have a viable way to go solar. "
Solar power harvesting can have a significant impact on
airports, Held said. Modern panels are very efficient and can
offset utility-based power in a big way.
" Airports have a lot of area to put the solar modules and
make an impact by using their real estate as power generators, "
Held said. " With solar, they can have a very significant
impact on offsetting their needs they're currently getting with
their utility. "
Solar installations require very little training in terms of
Weighing less than 1 pound per square foot installed, CIGS-based
solar modules are ideal for weight-constrained metal roofs.
SUNFLARE
for Sunflare. " Now we don't need glass to cover it up, we
don't need a big, thick frame to give it structural support to
protect that glass. "
The Sunflare LiteMount 60 is flexible and is less than 2
mm thick. A lightweight frame can protect the cells and be
placed in areas silicon cells can't be due to weight issues. The
LiteMount 60 weigh less than 1 lb. per square foot, compared
to 5 lbs. per square foot for a silicon solar panel.
CIGS-based modules have been on the market for a long
time but Held said they haven't been widely adopted because
they are made using a different process than silicon modules
upkeep and usage, Held said. Once the installation is done
by a qualified integrator, little maintenance is needed. Solar
components often have warranties spanning 20 years.
Airport staff can be trained to use software that monitors
the production of power and see the output that the airport
is getting.
For those looking at the possibility of installing a CIGSbased
system, Held advised asking questions. For instance, ask
integrators the pros and cons of the product and research the
manufacturers. Held also recommended finding integrators
that have an existing relationship with the cell providers.
" All solar is an economic evaluation at this point, " he said.
" Gather qualified proposals from qualified integrators who
understand the economic benefit of solar and know how to
install a system properly. " 
MARCH/APRIL 2022 \ AVIATIONPROS.COM / 19
http://www.AVIATIONPROS.COM
March-April_2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March-April_2022
