Opvius, Oskar Widmer and SunCurtain have announced they are cooperation on developing organic photovoltaic active sun protection systems, and has been introduced to the market at R+T Expo in Stuttgart – started Tuesday, 27th February 2018.
SunCurtain (a Kitzinger start-up) has developed a shading system in which curtains become small power plants. The curtain material consists of flexible photovoltaic panels made by Opvius and hangs like a conventional "free-moving" curtain with the following qualities:
- Coloured, transparent lamellas let only a part of visible light through
- Ultraviolet and infrared radiation is suppressed, which benefits the room atmosphere
With the benefit of print technology, adjustments to design and format are easy, and more importantly according to the developers - the curtains produce electricity.
These innovative product features could revolutionise the market for "curtain" systems. These innovative features have been recognised by the Oskar Widmer. Initially, the SunCurtain's products will be introduced via existing market channels and, in the next step, will supplement the portfolio of Oskar Widmer in the form of photovoltaic active solar protection solutions, e.g. awnings.
The companies signed a cooperation agreement on 27 February 2018 at the stand of Oskar Widmer at R+T 2018 – the world fair for roller blinds, rolling shutters and sun protection.
"We are very happy that our idea has immediately attracted such interest from existing market players. In Oskar Widmer we have found a partner who shares our market comprehension – sun curtain systems can contribute towards the attainment of climate-policy goals."
"The new regulations on feeding into house networks make it far easier to use our systems to offset energy consumption. After all, the curtain can either be plugged into the electric socket or connected to a battery power source and thus attain maximum utility for the user."
Stephan Hildebrandt, Product Manager at SunCurtain GmbH
"The OPV curtain system is a great idea. We always endeavour to offer our customers solutions that give them the highest possible utility value. The ideas of SunCurtain raise the sphere of innovative curtains to a completely new level."
"In the end, a curtain is very easy to install and can be easily integrated into existing buildings. In this way the energy efficiency of a building can be boosted by a retrofit measure and with only a minimal intrusion into the building‘s substance."
Dr. Michael Müller, Managing Director of Oskar Widmer GmbH
"We are happy to accept SunCurtain and Widmer to our network as further partner firms. We believe SunCurtain pursues the right idea: Introducing to the market products made possible only with printed OPV technology. This results is completely new opportunities in the most varied spheres."
"We at Opvius are pleased with any such advancement and support it in the most varied ways. After all, it will also be a success for us when existing glass-facade buildings are fitted with SunCurtain systems or when office buildings can implement their energy-savings measures thanks to them. Last but not least, thanks to the freedom of design, I can see OPV curtains also in use in residential spaces."
Hermann Issa, Senior Director Business Development and Sales at Opvius GmbH
About OPVIUS
OpviusS GmbH, founded in 2012 and located in Nuremberg and Kitzingen (INNOPARK Kitzingen), is among the world leaders in the field of organic photovoltaics. Opvius produces organic solar cells with a focus on client specific solutions. In addition, the company is also active in the field of research and development, in order to continue to provide its clients with creative and innovative solutions. In this regard, OPVIUS uses a unique production process, combining printing, lamination, and laser techniques. This advanced technology is easily scalable and allows the production of the utmost individual, customer-specific designs. OPVIUS also helps clients with system solutions in order to integrate OPVs into already existing or new products.
About SunCurtain
SunCurtain GmbH, located in Kitzingen, was founded in 2017. It specialises in the development of photovoltaic active curtain systems based on Organic Photovoltaic Technology (OPV). For this, the company produces OPV curtains for the most varied uses, and markets them in conjunction with its partners.
About Widmer
Oskar WidmerR GmbH is a traditional family-run company with a history of over 120 years. Today the company is a market leader in spring waves technology and a comprehensive provider of products in the sun protection segment. Against the background of climate change and rising energy costs, the very high quality products fully satisfy today’s market demands. Management over the company lies in the hands of Dr. Michael Müller.