Suntech Power, headquartered in China with a U.S. base in San Francisco, and Open Energy of Solana Beach have reached an exclusive agreement to license Open Energy's building integrated solar roof membrane.

The deal announced this week enables the firms to leverage the manufacturing and marketing strength of Suntech, the largest producer of photovoltaic modules, to make, distribute and sell the product developed by Open Energy.

The Southern California firm, a self-described next-generation solar company, develops building integrated PV products, energy management applications and solar energy solutions.

Open Energy's frameless flat roof membrane is designed to be installed over existing roofs without structural reinforcement. The companies said it is made to be lightweight, resist hail and wind, and provide a solar roof with no penetrations.

Suntech plans to market the product under the SolarEze brand and pointed out the potential for its application on flat commercial roofs.