Hilco Streambank, along with IPmetrics LLC and Darwin IP Advisors, have been retained by Opus Bank to monetize the patent portfolio, equipment, inventory and related know-how of BeamReach Solar (formerly Solexel). BeamReach Solar developed and manufactured innovative PV products, including: thin-wafer growth; next-generation back-contact cell technology including high voltage, high efficiency cells; solar panel technology and manufacturing processes including “smart” on-board module electronics; and a lightweight, fast-install integrated solar panel and racking system for low-slope rooftops (SprintTM), targeted primarily at the commercial and industrial segment. The Company developed a strong worldwide portfolio of more than 345 patent assets protecting their products and innovations including large clusters related to:
Thin, kerfless semiconductor wafer and porous Silicon technology;
High efficiency and low or high voltage back contact solar cell technology;
Monolithic “backplane” architecture low voltage solar modules and high voltage, rigid or flexible solar modules with “smart on-board electronics; and
Sprint light weight, rapid install commercial rooftop solar systems
The portfolio includes more than 130 granted patents (covering the US, AU, CN, EP (DE, DK, FR, GB, NL), JP, KR, and MY) and hundreds of pending applications that continue to be actively and aggressively prosecuted worldwide.
“BeamReach’s Sprint racking technology not only provides a substantial savings on installation time, it provides a significant step forward in opening up the market to flat and low-slope roof systems that are not engineered for the weight of a traditional panel and racking system. This now opens a significant new market,” according to Gabe Fried, CEO of Hilco Streambank. “Additionally, the rapid assembly innovation (video link) reduces installation time and labor costs considerably.”
Stephen Shea, former VP of Cell Engineering and Operations at BeamReach Solar and an expert with more than 30 years in the solar industry, states that “Unlike conventional rooftop solar installations, the Sprint solar system is an actualized, fully integrated rooftop solution. The stack of Sprint panels that goes to the roof includes all the required module, racking, adhesion and other parts and simply fold out and lock into place. There are no tools required, no grounding, no ballasts and no roof penetrations, providing a truly elegant solar solution.”
Mr. Shea further describes the substantial R&D accomplishments of BeamReach Solar in the area of developing thin, flexible substrates, “Beyond Sprint, Beamreach technologies enable the growth and processing of thin, flexible substrates and processes that produce from these substrates thin, flexible and high efficiency solar modules. These modules, which are assembled rather like a printed circuit board, allow the use of ‘smart’ on-board electronics for power conditioning, shade tolerance and metrology. The high efficiency cell processes themselves are also adapted for use on conventional substrates. Both the conventional and the thin substrate cells can be made in high-voltage configurations that facilitate the use of inexpensive, low-power onboard electronics in the smart module as well as reducing wiring losses due to high current in conventional systems.”
One research and development program with a major car manufacturer focused on developing thin solar panels that could easily and economically be integrated into vehicle roof panels.
BeamReach had filed for protection under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on February 9, 2017 and that case was closed on April 3, 2017. Hilco Streambank, IPmetrics and Darwin IP Advisors, are selling the BeamReach assets on behalf of secured lender Opus Bank. Opus Bank subsequently foreclosed on the assets and now has the ability to quickly close sale transactions without any court process.
Parties interested in learning more about the BeamReach intellectual property assets offered for sale, the sale process and other bidding requirements should contact the parties below. A virtual diligence room will be available for interested parties. The deadline for submitting offers is July 11, 2017 at 5 PM Eastern Time.
