Emcore Corporation (NASDAQ: EMKR), a provider of compound semiconductor-based components and systems for the fiber optic and solar power markets, announced it has been awarded a $5.7 million cost-plus fixed-fee contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory, located at the Kirtland Air Force Base, for the development of high-efficiency photovoltaic solar cells.
The two-year contract calls for Emcore to demonstrate high efficiency solar cells for space applications, as well as investigate advanced photovoltaic devices based on inverted metamorphic (IMM) structures. The contract also includes a provision for an additional twelve-month award of $3.4 million for advanced IMM development once the base contract has been completed. Funding for the entire contract has been appropriated.
"We are pleased to be partnering up with Air Force Research Laboratory to further develop Emcore’s proprietary inverted metamorphic photovoltaic technology," said Christopher Larocca, Chief Operating Officer of Emcore. "Emcore’s IMM cells represent a significant leap in photovoltaic cell development and we believe this contract will allow EMCORE to demonstrate industry leading cell efficiency of 37%. This level of efficiency, combined with the lightweight and flexible properties of our cell, will enable significantly broader space and terrestrial photovoltaic applications."
Emcore’s Photovoltaic segment provides products for both satellite and terrestrial applications. For satellite applications, Emcore offers Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells, Covered Interconnect Cells (CICs) and panels. For terrestrial applications, Emcore is adapting its GaAs solar cells for use in solar concentrator systems.
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