Arizona-based Global Solar Energy said (Oct. 13) that it partnered with a number of companies to offer its PowerFLEX, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) across the U.S. Unlike most photovoltaics, Global Solar Energy’s modules are flexible and use Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CIGS) as their photovoltaic material.

The company is partnering with Hawaiian commercial roofer Beachside, solar distributor and integrator Inovateus, turnkey renewable energy company Pfister Energy, and commercial roofing and waterproofing company Soprema.

The company also recently announced partnerships in Europe to begin offering its products there, according to a spokesperson for the company. The company launched its PowerFLEX product in August 2010.

“Now is kind of when we first announced these major partnerships in Europe for the U.S.,” she said.

The modules are primarily intended for commercial rooftops, she said.

“But that’s definitely not their only focus,” she said.

“PowerFLEX BIPV is lightweight, fits all roof shapes, and requires no roof perforations or mounting hardware,” the company said. “The module is able to increase the value of each rooftop through improved roof surface coverage, high efficiency, and excellent low light performance. By integrating PowerFLEX BIPV into their offerings, Global Solar partners can offer a solar solution with twice the power of alternative roof modules.”

Since the module is flexible it comes in rolls and can be installed by roofers.

“Initially, when partnering with the roofing companies, what the roofer would do is buy the product, lay it flat on the roof and then install it on the roof,” she said. “Basically the product is flexible, and all the installer has to do is roll it out and install it on the roof. They just need to integrate it on the roof and connect the wires.”

Global Solar joins a growing number of companies that are looking to roofers to install BIPV inspired photovoltaics.

Another company, with a different focus, OneRoof Energy, is working with roofing companies to install photovoltaics on roofs that match the roof’s designs.

That company recently announced a $50 million fund to support residential solar leases through roofers as opposed to through traditional solar installers.

Image courtesy of Global Solar.