Apr 20 2009
Arizona State University and Advent Solar, Inc. today announced a development partnership to further the advancement of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.
As part of the initiative, members of Arizona State University's Solar Power Laboratory will work with Advent Solar, a leading innovator of silicon-based solar technology, to develop solutions for improving energy harvesting of solar systems.
The Advent Solar initiative with ASU signals a benchmark in regional efforts to increase solar technology development in Arizona. Advent Solar will place engineering talent at SkySong, ASU's Center for Innovation in Scottsdale. Their presence reinforces the robust research capabilities that ASU offers and validates Arizona's future role in the global solar industry.
"ASU SkySong is a platform for stimulating economic growth through university-business partnerships, and has assisted many enterprises with finding customers and growing their network of potential new business collaborations, as well as new clients," said Julia Rosen, associate vice president for ASU Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
"Arizona State University's prominent team of scientists and engineers are committed to developing the next-generation of solar energy technology to improve power efficiency and the economic feasibility of renewable energy," said George Maracas, acting Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Solar Power Laboratory at Arizona State University. "We're thrilled to partner with solar technology innovator, Advent Solar. By working with Advent Solar, we will not only be able to further our technology development goals, but also stimulate economic development in the Southwest region around renewable energy technology."
"Advent Solar is a forward-thinking, performance-driven company, and Scottsdale is thrilled to welcome them to SkySong," said Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane. "The collaboration between ASU and Advent Solar will advance the next generation of solar technology and help elevate Arizona's profile as a destination for this industry."
"Scottsdale has long been a champion of sustainable practices, and the addition of Advent Solar to our community supports our efforts to create a progressive business climate," said Harold Stewart, acting Economic Vitality General Manager for the City of Scottsdale. "We are proud to nurture the future of solar advancements in our city."
Arizona State University and Advent Solar will collaborate to develop next-generation solar technology based upon the architectural framework provided by Advent Solar Ventura Technology. This technology provides the blueprint for delivering the industry's best value for silicon PV modules. Ventura Solar Technology combines the Emitter-Wrap Through (EWT) back-contact cell with Monolithic Module Assembly (MMA). It is an integrated cell-to-module architecture that delivers higher energy efficiency at lower production costs.
"With Ventura Technology, Advent Solar has created a development path to significantly improve the efficiency and cost metrics of solar technology at both the cell and module levels," said Peter Green, president and CEO of Advent Solar. "We are excited about working closely with Arizona State University to further expand the capabilities of Ventura Technology and create innovative approaches to meet the challenges facing the solar industry.
"The Greater Phoenix Economic Council is proud to see the realization of Advent Solar's partnership with ASU," said Barry Broome, GPEC president and CEO. The regional economic development organization facilitated the introduction between these institutions during an executive tour of Greater Phoenix last November. "Arizona should be a leader in engineering, manufacturing, distributing and consuming solar technology. Advent Solar's involvement in our market helps us move in that direction."