Researchers examine data in the laboratory at Shanghai Dianji University. [Photo/WeChat account: shlgguanweihui]

A research team headed by academician Shi Zhengrong developed a new energy material, which they said was a perfect substitute for traditional glass packaging, at Shanghai Dianji University or SDJU – in the Lin-gang Special Area in East China's Shanghai city.

The material is being widely used in the technology and equipment for the assembly encapsulation and industrial production of high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells. This is to produce glassless, lightweight, thin slice and flexible crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules.

The new photovoltaic module is said to be thin and flexible and has reportedly already been recognized by many countries' standards.

The thickness of the product is only 2 millimeters, while the unit weight is less than 30 percent of  traditional crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules.

In addition, the product is understood to be flexible and easy to fold, greatly expanding the application of photovoltaic technology.