Patent Issued for Building Integrated PV System

Flour City International, Inc., (FCI) has received a patent for its technology to transfer electricity generated by solar PV panels.

GRAY, Tennessee 2002-02-15 [SolarAccess.com] The company said the patent was issued by the U.S. Patent Office on a technology to wirelessly harness and transfer electricity from PV panels. The solar panels are integrated using a network of wires to form solar PV arrays. FCI claims that its wireless technology will enhance the use of PV panels within the construction industry by reducing the cost of maintaining and fixing potential problems with the PV modules, or replacing damaged curtain wall panels because no wire is directly connected to the PV panel. The Tennessee company has a memorandum of understanding with Siemens Solar Industries and Atlantis Energy to develop a business strategy to identify and pursue business opportunities for building integrated PV modules within the building and construction industries. Integrating PV panels into the curtain wall of new buildings is an innovative solution for reducing the overall consumption of electricity and should have a significant impact on the building and construction industry, according to the company. FCI manufactures and installs non-load bearing custom exterior wall systems used in a wide range of commercial and governmental buildings and works with architects, contractors and owners to construct mid-rise and high-rise office buildings, public-use buildings and other structures.