The aim of the cooperation is to create a solution that is more versatile than before and suitable for any film material. In addition, the so-called module connection points - the contact point between the film and cable - are to become even more compact. According to Lapp, this is important in order to integrate the film modules inconspicuously into building façades, where they generate clean electricity from the sun. This should give designers and architects as much creative freedom as possible. "Development is already underway and should be completed in 2017 with a product ready for series production," says Reinhard Probst, Market Manager Solar at the Lapp Group.

Solar modules from Belectric OPV with connection technology from Lapp were already on display at the 'Solartrees' in the German pavilion at Expo 2015 in Milan.

© U.I. Lapp

For Lapp and Belectric OPV, the collaboration is the continuation of a long-standing partnership. Lapp has already developed a connection point for Belectric OPV that was used in the solar modules for the German pavilion at Expo 2015 in Milan. The solar sculptures there stretched up into the sky like giant ferns, and the electricity was fed into the cables via almost invisible connection points that looked like fine branches on "leaves".

According to Lapp, the process it developed is a major step forward in the use of organic photovoltaics. The connection points in the Milan pavilion are particularly compact and absolutely waterproof. The new solution should also have these properties, but it should be much more flexible - for example in terms of the choice of material and the thickness of the carrier films. The connection point should also be able to be applied independently of the production location of the modules, which means high flexibility in production. The partners are keeping how exactly this will work a secret for the time being until the patent procedure has been initiated. Both companies are granting each other exclusive rights to this technology for a fixed period of time. During this time, Belectric OPV will purchase the connection points from Lapp, while Lapp will only supply Belectric OPV.

Further joint projects

The two partners are already planning further projects to utilize the new process. One idea is to make better use of existing areas. "Thanks to the new system technology, we can provide architects with a connection system that can be visually integrated into the overall appearance and thus further emphasize the advantage of aesthetically valuable OPV integration," comments Hermann Issa, Director Business Development at Belectric OPV. In addition to building integration, areas that were previously out of focus can also be developed - such as roofs that could not previously be used for structural reasons. "This system is of course much lighter and can be easily adapted to the building or its surroundings in terms of shape and, in some cases, color," says Reinhard Probst.