Solar panels win award

Linthicum, MD—In January 2001, ILS published an application report on the use of Q-switched solid-state lasers in the production of architectural solar panels. Now we are pleased to announce that this product, the BP Solar PowerView, has been selected as a winner of R&D Magazine's R&D 100 competition.

PowerView is a photovoltaic laminate that converts sunlight into electricity while permitting light to pass through. These panels share the strength of building-integrated photovoltaics but replace other building materials such as glass, thus effectively reducing the cost of adding solar power to a building.

For example, the panels, with the decorative option of signage, are substituted into many glazing applications such as canopies for multi-purpose retail outlets. More than 350 BP Connect stores now feature canopies with these photovoltaic power systems, which generate a significant part of their energy.

For more information contact Todd Foley at BP Solar at Tel. (410) 981-0253.