Merlin Solar: Bending the Rules of Solar Power
Solar panels are everywhere these days, from rooftops to fields. But what if we told you there’s a way to make them even better? Enter Merlin Solar, a company pushing the boundaries of solar technology with its innovative, flexible panels.
A New Approach to Solar
Founded in 2016 by Venkatesan Murali, Merlin Solar took a unique approach. Instead of reinventing the wheel with new materials, they focused on improving an existing technology: monocrystalline silicon. While inexpensive, these cells are notoriously fragile. Traditional panels protect them with layers of glass and metal, making them heavy and limiting their installation options.
Flexibility is Key
Murali’s vision was clear: flexible solar panels that could be installed virtually anywhere. But achieving this with monocrystalline silicon presented a challenge. “Everything crystalline will eventually crack,” Murali said. “Can we make sure every electron will find its way, even if a bullet went through?”
The solution? A clever reimagining of the cell connections. Merlin Solar increased the number of connections front and back, and used springy interconnects that can bend and bounce back. This not only made the panels more resistant to cracking but also ensured electrical resilience even in case of damage.
Beyond the Roof: Expanding Possibilities
The result? Panels that are significantly lighter and more flexible than traditional ones. They can be attached to surfaces like a sticker, allowing for unconventional installations on RVs, trucks, and even curved surfaces.
These flexible panels also boast an advantage when it comes to shading. Traditional panels suffer a significant drop in power output when even a small portion is shaded. Merlin’s intricate web of connections allows electricity to flow around shaded cells, ensuring better performance in real-world conditions.
Finding New Markets
Merlin’s innovative panels have found a niche among RV owners and fleet operators looking to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Companies like Perdue, Daimler, and Ryder have adopted Merlin’s technology for their trucks, powering onboard refrigerators and reducing reliance on diesel.
With a recent $31 million Series B funding round, Merlin Solar is now aiming for the mainstream rooftop solar market. A partnership with Saint Gobain, a leading roofing materials company, could see Merlin’s panels integrated into solar shingles, making them even more accessible.
Ready to Explore Flexible Solar?
Are you interested in exploring the possibilities of flexible solar panels for your home or business? Contact Merlin Solar today to learn more about how their innovative technology can power your future.