Sunflare
Sunflare is a private US solar manufacturer founded in 2009 that produces lightweight, flexible CIGS thin-film solar panels via its proprietary Capture4 cell-by-cell process, serving residential, recreational, commercial, and OEM-embedded customers through direct sales and partnerships across the US, China, and Sweden.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Sunflare does
Sunflare is a privately held US solar technology company founded in 2009 and headquartered in La Verne, California (Los Angeles area), with 51–100 employees. The company designs and manufactures lightweight, thin, and flexible CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) solar panels using a proprietary Capture4 cell-by-cell manufacturing process printed onto stainless steel substrates. Its SUN2 cell architecture achieves a stated 98% cell yield and places a bypass diode at each individual cell for superior shade tolerance, yielding panels that are approximately 75% lighter and 95% thinner than conventional crystalline-silicon modules. Current production capacity is 8 MW at a Nanjing, China facility (with stated plans to reach 48 MW), and R&D and proprietary process development sit in Sweden.
The product portfolio spans the Flex60 flagship flexible module (170–180W, ~11 lbs), the PowerFit 20 standing-seam metal roof module (60W), the Array Series for residential rooftops, the XPLOR Series for recreational vehicles, and patent-pending snap-together residential solar shingles. Sunflare generates revenue through direct-to-consumer hardware sales (entry-level 105W panels starting at $449) and through OEM/embedded partnerships where its panels are integrated into third-party products such as Yakima CBX SOLAR cargo boxes, Vistabule teardrop trailers, Dvele modular homes, Adventure Ready solar tents, and Honest Eco's Squid hybrid boat. The 40 MW Israel landfill project (2019) signals intent to address utility-scale and brownfield applications where conventional rigid panels are unsuitable. End customers include residential homeowners, RV and boat owners, commercial buildings with structural load limits, search and rescue operations, and OEM manufacturers across outdoor recreation, marine, and modular housing verticals.
Sunflare firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sunflare
- Legal name
- Sunflare
- Website
- https://sunflaresolar.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Sunflare is a private US solar manufacturer founded in 2009 that produces lightweight, flexible CIGS thin-film solar panels via its proprietary Capture4 cell-by-cell process, serving residential, recreational, commercial, and OEM-embedded customers through direct sales and partnerships across the US, China, and Sweden.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sunflare industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Solar Panels
- SIC
- Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Solar PV Module Manufacturing (Cells, Modules, Thin-Film) (EUAMABAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Solar PV Module & Cell Manufacturing (Crystalline, Thin-Film) (EUAMAHAA), Solar Roofing & Roof-Mounted PV Systems (IMADAFAO), Solar Plant Components Supply & Manufacturing (Modules, Cells, Wafers, Mirrors, Heliostats) (EUACAGAK)
Keywords
Where Sunflare is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Sunflare business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Solar Panel Hardware Sales: Sunflare generates revenue through direct sales of flexible CIGS solar panels, including Flex60 modules, PowerFit standing seam roof panels, and XPLOR/Array series for residential and recreational applications. Panels are sold with varying wattage options (105W, 125W, 180W) and feature 25-year warranties.
- OEM/Embedded Solar Integration: Sunflare supplies its CIGS panels as embedded components for third-party products including Yakima cargo boxes, recreational vehicles, boats, and modular homes. Revenue generated through B2B partnerships with manufacturers integrating solar technology.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Flexible Solar Panel - Entry Level |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Residential Installation |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Vistabule Teardrop Trailer OEM |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Sunflare product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sunflare manufactures and sells thin, lightweight, and flexible CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) solar panels built on a stainless steel substrate using a proprietary Capture4 cell-by-cell manufacturing process. The panels are sold directly to residential homeowners, RV/boat owners, and commercial customers, and are also embedded into OEM products such as Yakima cargo boxes, Vistabule trailers, and Dvele modular homes.
Product overview
Sunflare is a solar technology company that offers a portfolio of lightweight, thin, flexible CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) solar panels. The product lineup centers on the Flex60 flexible panel series as the core product, complemented by the Array Series (residential) and XPLOR Series (recreational) sub-brands. Building-integrated products include PowerFit modules for standing-seam metal roofs and residential solar roof shingles. The company's proprietary SUN2 cell technology and Capture4 manufacturing process enable cell-by-cell production with bypass diodes at every cell for superior shade tolerance. All products share the distinguishing characteristics of being 75% lighter, 95% thinner than traditional silicon panels, and capable of adhesive installation without roof penetrations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- XPLOR Series: Flexible solar panels designed for recreational applications including overlanding vehicles and tents.
- Array Series
- Flex60
- PowerFit
- SUN2
Products and services
- Flex60 Flexible Solar Panel Sunflare's flagship flexible CIGS solar panel module on stainless steel backing. Weighs approximately 11 pounds (5 kg), features bypass diode per cell for shade tolerance and adhesive backing for peel-and-stick installation. Available in 170W to 180W capacities.
- Array Series Residential solar panel series featuring Sunflare's lightweight, flexible CIGS technology. Designed for homeowners seeking seamless rooftop integration without traditional mounting hardware.
- XPLOR Series Solar panels designed for recreational applications including overlanding vehicles, vans, and teardrop trailers. Features flexible, lightweight design that conforms to curved surfaces.
- PowerFit Solar Module Solar modules designed for standing seam metal roofs that nestle in between the seams, making them practically invisible. Features butyl adhesive backing for peel-and-stick application without roof penetrations. The PowerFit 20 model provides 60W output.
- Residential Solar Roof Shingles CIGS solar cells encapsulated in lightweight polymer sheets with snap-together electrical connectors. Features 100% waterproofing, standard roofing installation methods, and a temperature coefficient of -0.31% per 1 degree Celsius. Each tile generates approximately 2 watts.
Quantifiable outcome
- 75% lighter than traditional silicon panels (11 lbs vs 40 lbs)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Sunflare
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Sunflare technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Sunflare partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- YakimacoreYakima partnered with Sunflare to design CBX SOLAR, the first mass-produced, premium-level cargo box with an integrated solar panel. The $1,299 carrier features Sunflare panels providing 36W/5V output for camping power. This partnership won multiple industry awards including TIME's 100 Best Inventions of 2020.
- DvelecoreDvele, an off-grid smart home developer, partners with Sunflare for integrated solar solutions in their modular homes. Sunflare panels generate over 13,500 kWh for some installations, covering 100% of household electricity. Both companies share missions around sustainable, efficient housing.
- Honest EcoflagshipHonest Eco operates the 'Squid' - the world's first lithium ion battery-powered hybrid charter boat with electric motors, powered by 12 custom-sized Sunflare modules producing 2000W. This flagship project demonstrates Sunflare's marine applications and eco-tourism use cases.
- VistabulecoreMinnesota-based Vistabule partnered with Sunflare to offer solar-powered teardrop trailers that can go completely off-grid. Sunflare panels on the Vistabule can charge phones, run fridges, lights, fans, and laptops from solar power alone.
- Wild We RoamminorVan conversion company using Sunflare panels for off-grid power systems. Wild We Roam installed 3 Sunflare panels (two 134W and one 77W) using 3M double-sided tape for their customer builds.
- Adventure ReadyminorSeattle company outfits off-road vehicles with Sunflare-coated solar tents that generate power for refrigerators, phones, laptops, and lights during backcountry overlanding adventures.
- David Walworth (Walworth Designs)minorMIT-educated boat designer who collaborated with Honest Eco and Sunflare to design the Squid hybrid boat, achieving first Coast Guard certification for a near-coastal hybrid catamaran of its kind.
- King County Search and RescueminorWashington state search and rescue organization using Sunflare panels on their ex-Swiss Army Pinzgauer vehicle to power mission-critical electronics during search operations, replacing gasoline-powered systems.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sunflare competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Hanergy Thin Film Power: Chinese holding company and largest CIGS thin-film player globally, parent of MiaSolé, Solibro, and Global Solar Energy. Competes with Sunflare in flexible CIGS modules and on cost-down manufacturing scale.
- Renogy: Direct-to-consumer solar brand selling panels, charge controllers, and complete kits for RVs, boats, cabins, and off-grid applications. Competes head-to-head with Sunflare's XPLOR Series in the recreational/outdoor channel.
- First Solar: Largest thin-film solar manufacturer globally, producing CdTe panels at GW scale. Most direct technology analog to Sunflare in the thin-film category, competing for utility-scale and commercial projects with a different absorber material.
- MiaSolé: CIGS thin-film solar manufacturer acquired by Hanergy, producing flexible cells on stainless steel substrate — the same material stack Sunflare uses. Direct technology peer in flexible CIGS.
- Solar Frontier: Japanese subsidiary of Showa Shell (now Idemitsu Kosan) producing CIS thin-film solar modules. Direct peer in CIGS/CIS thin-film technology targeting residential and utility markets.
Emerging players
- GAF Energy: Building-products subsidiary of Standard Industries manufacturing Timberline Solar roofing shingles. Competes with Sunflare's patent-pending residential solar shingle line in the re-roofing channel.
- Maxeon Solar Technologies: Premium solar panel spin-off from SunPower selling high-efficiency back-contact modules for residential applications. Competes with Sunflare's Array Series in the premium homeowner segment.
- Solaria: US-based manufacturer of premium aesthetic solar panels optimized for residential rooftops where appearance and integration matter. Competes with Sunflare's lightweight/adhesive mounting positioning in design-conscious residential builds.
Broad incumbents
- SunPower: Established premium residential and commercial solar company offering high-efficiency panels through dealer networks. Competes with Sunflare's Array Series on premium residential positioning.
- Tesla Energy (Solar Roof): Solar roof tile product from Tesla Energy, backed by the broader Tesla brand, sales infrastructure, and Powerwall bundle. Direct competitor in residential solar roofing.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sunflare social profiles
Digital presenceSunflare financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sunflare leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Sunflare funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sunflare M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sunflare
What does Sunflare do?
Sunflare manufactures and sells thin, lightweight, and flexible CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) solar panels built on a stainless steel substrate using a proprietary Capture4 cell-by-cell manufacturing process. The panels are sold directly to residential homeowners, RV/boat owners, and commercial customers, and are also embedded into OEM products such as Yakima cargo boxes, Vistabule trailers, and Dvele modular homes.
Is Sunflare a public or private company?
Sunflare is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Sunflare founded?
Sunflare was founded in 2009. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Sunflare based?
Sunflare is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sunflare make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Solar Panel Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are OEM/Embedded Solar Integration.
Who are Sunflare's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Hanergy Thin Film Power, Renogy, First Solar, MiaSolé and Solar Frontier. Emerging players are GAF Energy, Maxeon Solar Technologies and Solaria. Broad incumbents are SunPower and Tesla Energy (Solar Roof).
Does Sunflare have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sunflare.
What industry is Sunflare in?
Sunflare's product category is Solar Panels. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAMABAD, Solar PV Module Manufacturing (Cells, Modules, Thin-Film), with a secondary code of EUAMAHAA, Solar PV Module & Cell Manufacturing (Crystalline, Thin-Film). Its SIC code is 3600.