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US solar cell developer Konarka has formed strategic alliances with ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe, Lapp Kabek, Bischoff Glastechnik and the Fraunhofer Institute. The alliance will see the companies integrate Konarka's organic solar film material into steel and glass surfaces.
Lars Pfeiffer, responsible for quality and development of the colour and construction division of ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe, said, 'Many facade surfaces lend themselves well to photovoltaics, but today lie idle. Until recently the right technology had simply been lacking. The company plans to integrate Konarka's cells in metal facades, thereby producing a multifunctional as well as an aesthetic product, which not only takes over the task of encasing the building, but produces solar power as well. The development of such environmentally-friendly products goes along ideally with the concern's guiding principle: Steel goes green.'
Bischoff Glastechnik is one of Germany's leading producers of flat glass processing and finishing and will look to utilise Konarka technology in its products. Lapp Kabel will provide connections for the modules and the Fraunhofer Institute will be in charge of overseeing the integration process and ensuring quality standards of all parties are met.
Alexander Valenzuela, vice president of Konarka's business development team in Europe, said, 'For new, intelligent construction materials, we can provide the appropriate technology, thereby offering our partners added value for their products.'
Konarka has plans to construct pilot projects in Germany and the UK before the end of the year.
