HP (NYSE: HPQ) and Xtreme Energetics (XE), a solar energy system developer based in Livermore, Calif., announced an agreement for the development of a solar energy system designed to generate electricity at twice the efficiency and half the cost of traditional solar panels.
Under the agreement, HP will license its transparent transistor technology to XE in return for royalty payments.
The transparent transistor technology that will be used in XE’s solar energy device was co-developed by HP and Oregon State University. The technology includes thin film transparent transistors, which are made from low-cost, readily available materials such as zinc and tin. The materials raise no environmental concerns and allow for higher mobility, better chemical stability and easier manufacture.
The transistor technology enables control of XE’s concentration and tracking system as it provides a transparent electronic mechanism to maximize the concentration of light. When coupled with XE’s system, the technology improves conversion efficiency as maximum light can get through without being blocked by traditional non-transparent electronics.
"Blending art and science, our ultra-high efficiency solar energy systems can serve both the central utility and rooftop markets using low-cost, ecologically harmonious and architecturally inspiring designs," said Colin P. Williams, CEO of Xtreme Energetics.
Xtreme Energetics plans to make its solution available to commercial customers as well as the central utility market. The company also is currently seeking investment for further product development and to establish national and international manufacturing, sales and marketing teams.
About Xtreme Energetics (XE)
XE is developing predominantly transparent optoelectronic solar products that can track and concentrate sunlight and convert it to electricity at twice the efficiency and half the cost of traditional, silicon-based solar panels, the company says. XE’s technology is suitable for solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and natural daylighting installations.
About HP
HP focuses on simplifying technology experiences for all of its customers–from individual consumers to the largest businesses. With a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP is among the world’s largest IT companies, with revenue totaling $110.4 billion for the four fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2008. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.
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