eIQ Energy partnered with Abound Solar and Focus Materials to offer a unique new product line of solar glass curtain walls for new building construction and renovations. The system incorporates eIQ Energy's vBoost module and Abound's semi-transparent solar modules.

eIQ Energy, developer of Parallel Solar technology, announced today that its vBoost DC-to-DC converter modules have been selected to provide voltage regulation and interconnection for a new line of innovative glass curtain wall components with integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generating capabilities.

Focus Materials, Inc., of Sacramento, Calif., is now offering Focus Wall custom-fabricated glass-and-aluminum curtain walls, with built-in thin-film solar technology from Abound Solar, along with eIQ Energy's vBoost modules. Abound Solar's semi-transparent PV technology performs well in both high-temperature and low-light conditions and, when combined with eIQ Energy's constant-voltage vBoost converters, adds only about 30 percent to the cost of standard curtain wall systems. Available both for new building construction and renovations, this unique solution uses natural solar energy to generate a significant amount of buildings' electricity needs.

"We're happy to participate in this groundbreaking technology partnership," said Michael Lamb, vice president of business development for eIQ Energy. "Our Parallel Solar vBoost modules are ideally suited for large-scale building solar arrays, where they can not only improve the systems' overall energy output, but also contribute to lower materials and installation costs."

Focus Materials integrates eIQ Energy's vBoost modules and wiring into each panel's glass support structure, out of building users' sight, along with snap-together electrical connectors that make panels easy to install and connect to the larger solar system. Integrating the components within the glass support structure ensures that the aesthetics of the curtain wall remain uncompromised.

"The simplicity and cost-saving advantages of eIQ Energy's technology appealed to us as we looked for the best way to add solar PV capability to our photovoltaic curtain wall systems," said Nicholas Bagatelos, Focus Materials president and founder. "Thanks to eIQ Energy and Abound Solar, we expect this integrated solution to be very popular with our clientele who are increasingly interested in Net Zero Energy Buildings."

Conventional solar arrays consist of closely matched PV panels wired in series. But shading, soiling, and other issues often reduce individual panels' electricity output, which in a series architecture can reduce the entire system's energy output by up to 30 percent. With eIQ Energy's Parallel Solar architecture, underperforming panels no longer drag down the entire system. Each panel maintains its own peak performance, while the vBoost modules' predictable, constant voltage output allows the system's inverter to run at optimal efficiency. This patent-pending power management and architectural approach reduces the complexity of system design and wiring, resulting in lower materials, labor and overall installation costs.