This signals a broader effort to expand from mainly selling production equipment for thin film solar panels into the end market for solar panels for various roofs, facades, vehicles, etc. through in-house production and via contract manufacturers.

Midsummer is expanding its production capacity of DUO machines, its manufacturing tool for thin film flexible CIGS solar cells. The company decided to also directly address the end market, both B2B and B2C, for solar panels suitable for different types of roofs, facades, vehicles, landfills, etc. in urban areas. To support this expansion, Midsummer is looking into issuing Green Bonds of up to SEK 500 million [€47.5 million; USD$53.4 million].

The company’s new business model would include in-house production of solar panels for the end market and the establishment of a network of contract manufacturers in addition to its present production of manufacturing equipment.

The first step in Midsummer’s new strategy and product offering is ”Midsummer solar roofs,” a standing seam metal roof that is integrated with Midsummer’s thin-film solar panels and with high energy efficiency. The roofs are delivered pre-installed with solar panels and the installation is as simple as for any standing seam metal roof without solar cells. In order to further simplify for the customers, Midsummer offers installation with turnkey contracts.

Besides building integrated solar roofs, Midsummer’s panels are suitable for a range of other roofs – corrugated roofs, membrane roofs, shingles, etc. – and also facades, vehicles, landfills, tents, etc. Midsummer's light, thin and flexible solar panels can be walked upon like any other metal roof and the weight does not differ significantly from a standard metal roof, nor does the appearance or the price.

The new model solar cell roof is narrower than the previous one, which makes the roof more aesthetically pleasing and also increases the installed power per square meter. Midsummer solar roofs also offer the option to connect the solar panels with each other for longer roofs, which means that Midsummer can supply its metal roof with integrated solar panels in lengths up to 12 meters.

“In recent years, solar energy and the installation of solar panels has grown rapidly across the world,” said Midsummer CEO Sven Lindström. “In order for this development to continue and for even more customers to be attracted by it, products with stylish design are required. We take the next step in this development with our refined metal roof Midsummer solar roofs. With the solar panels pre-integrated into the roof, this product is a no-brainer for both new buildings and for many older buildings.”