Solar Panel Innovation: Merlin Solar Revolutionizes Traditional Technology
As solar panels become increasingly prevalent in residential, commercial, and roadside settings, one company is pushing the boundaries of this established technology. Merlin Solar, founded in 2016 by Venkatesan Murali, is making significant strides in improving solar panel efficiency and versatility using existing materials.
Murali, the company’s founder and CTO, has focused on enhancing monocrystalline silicon technology, a cost-effective but traditionally fragile material. Merlin Solar’s innovative approach involves increasing the number of connections within panels, resulting in more resilient and flexible solar units that can withstand cracking.
The company’s panels boast several advantages over traditional models. Their lightweight and flexible design, coupled with an adhesive backing, allows for diverse installation options. Additionally, these panels handle partial shading more effectively, maintaining power output in less-than-ideal conditions.
Merlin Solar’s unique offerings have attracted attention from various industries. Recreational vehicle owners appreciate the panels’ flexibility and lightweight properties. Major companies such as Perdue, Daimler, and Ryder have adopted Merlin’s technology to reduce fossil fuel consumption in their truck fleets.
While Merlin’s panels come at a premium price, the company targets markets where cost is not the sole consideration. The significant return on investment, particularly in reducing diesel use for trucks, has proven attractive to many clients.
Recent developments indicate a bright future for Merlin Solar. The company successfully raised $31 million in Series B funding to expand its operations. Looking ahead, Merlin is exploring opportunities in the rooftop solar market and has partnered with Saint-Gobain to integrate their panels into solar shingles.
As Merlin Solar continues to scale up production and broaden its customer base, the company’s innovative approach to solar technology may well reshape the industry landscape, offering more efficient and versatile solar solutions for a wide range of applications.
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