Ascent Solar, a division of thin-film developer ITN Energy Systems, has begun production of its unique flexible solar modules. The manufacturing plant in Littleton, Colorado will produce large rolls of CIGS (Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide) solar cells on a plastic substrate. It marks a milestone for Ascent Solar, which until now had dealt primarily in product development rather than production.

Their new plant, the company boasts, will be the first in the world to begin regular production of lightweight thin-film CIGS-based solar modules on a plastic substrate (imagine etching that into a trophy).

Ascent Solar’s parent company, ITN, has dealt primarily in government contracts in the past, with ties to the Air Force, NREL, and NASA, among others. Ascent Solar was formed with manufacturing in mind and the outset of production represents a milestone for both company and product. The plant has opened with just one working production shift for now but will evolve to become a full time, three-shift, 1.5 megawatt thin-film production facility.

This new format — thin-film on plastic — provides several advantages according to Ascent’s website. Large rolls allow for direct integration into roofing membranes and the purchase of less modules. The plastic substrate provides compactness and flexibility, in turn creating a diversity of functions from rolls to foldable packs to traditional panel designs as well.

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Posted on April 1st in Solar News by Dan.