Integrated solar power systems supplier Andalay Solar has signed a licensing agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries. Under the agreement Hyundai is to license Andalay’s Instant Connect frame technology to manufacture solar modules.
Hyundai-branded TG-Series solar modules are currently available in the US market. The modules with black Andalay frame employ 60-cell monocrystalline or polycrystalline technology (260w–280w), and are manufactured in South Korea.
Andalay Solar’s president and CEO Steven Chan said that Hyundai brand would improve the bankability of the modules and widen the market for Andalay. It will be able to include residential solar lease and financing companies, “which service the largest share of the US residential solar market”.
“Andalay was the first in the residential solar industry to receive a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its Instant Connect integrated solar technology which eliminates conventional racking and provides a cleaner look, safer wire management, and faster installation,” a company statement reads.
According to Chan, Andalay’s technology can improve the speed and ease of installation and help companies save labor and other soft costs such as logistics and long-term maintenance.
Earlier this month, Andalay and JinkoSolar had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to license and manufacture solar modules using Andalay’s Instant Connect frame technology. JinkoSolar is targeting to offer the new Jinko-branded modules later this year.
Ajith Kumar S