In April 2012, a new brilliant-look, up-rated version of ProSol TF known as ProSol TF+, will be available from leading solar energy and building envelope specialist, Schueco UK Limited. Designed as a BIPV product, ProSol TF+ is an advanced, higher-efficiency thin-film PV module that produces a 30% increase in electrical output over conventional photovoltaic thin-film products.

The module's superior performance – typically 80 Wp/m2 – is the result of a tandem cell structure that incorporates dual layers of microcrystalline and amorphous silicon, together with a special laminate foil (PVB). As well as generating electricity, ProSol TF+ can act both as insulation and as solar shading, resulting in a significant reduction in the need for heating and air-conditioning.

In appearance, the new ProSol TF+ is also strikingly different thanks to its new, deep anthracite colouring and the fact that, in addition to a standard rectangle, the modules can, for the first time, be specified in a variety of alternative shapes including triangles, parallelograms and rhomboids. This greatly extends the system's design possibilities for architects.

Importantly, in terms of sustainability, ProSol TF+ is an exceptionally 'green' product containing none of the rare or toxic materials – such as cadmium, selenium or lead – that are found in some PV systems.

ProSol TF+ modules are available either as single glass panes for use in Schueco rainscreen façade systems or as part of double- or triple-glazed units incorporated into Schueco insulated façade systems such as FW 50+.SI.

Sizes range from 200 mm x 300 mm up to 2300 mm x 2600 mm with even larger sizes being possible using a 'patchwork' technique. When fitted to rainscreen cladding, 1300 mm x 1100 mm single-glazed Fixed Size Modules offer the perfect combination of price and performance.

While the modules are supplied opaque for maximum power output, they can be customised by laser-cutting to present varying degrees of transparency ranging from 5% to 25%. This makes them particularly versatile not only from a user point of view, but also from an architectural design perspective.

In addition to supplying the ProSol TF+ modules, Schueco UK provides the complete PV solution comprising either a cladding system or an insulated façade system together with all necessary electrical components including inverters, cabling and connectors.