A Bright Outlook for Solar

Finding innovative ways to improve performance of solar panels. (Image: SunDensity)

SunDensity just closed their $2.5M initial round of financing, which was led by Clean Energy Ventures. SunDensity has developed a photonic smart coating (PSC) technology that increases the power output of any solar module by as much as 20%. The coating turns blue photons red, allowing for greater absorption.

Why does this matter?

  • Commercial solar PV today is inefficient, with the best performance between 20-30%.
  • The US alone will install nearly 100 GW of solar from 2021-2025, 42% more than was installed over the last five years.
  • The global solar energy market size was valued at $52.5B in 2018 and is projected to reach $223B by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 20.5% from 2019 to 2026.
  • PSC could increase the output of solar panels, reducing the number of modules needed to produce the same amount of electricity, cutting installation costs, and reducing land usage.
  • SunDensity has the potential to prevent more than 2.5 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions between now and 2050.

What’s next?

  • SunDensity is in talks with glass and panel manufacturers, and currently has letters of intent for up to 1.5 gigawatts’ worth of coated solar panels. Additionally, SunDensity is aiming to get its coating to market during the second half of 2021.
  • PSC decreases costs by helping generate 20% more energy, increases the lifespan of PV, and reduces the life cycle cost of solar energy.
  • PSC can be used on new or existing panels, as well as any type of solar cell technology.
  • Other applications for PSC include increasing the quantum efficiency of infrared sensors and image sensors for surveillance cameras and can also reduce heating and ventilation loads for buildings.

Thoughts

If you can’t beat the competition, join them. SunDensity is taking a strategic position by creating technology that can be used on new and existing solutions, as well as having many potential applications. There are many market dynamics happening in the solar sector, from innovations like PSC to sun tracking and improvements in materials/manufacturing. The outcome is clear, the cost of solar PV will continue to decrease as improvements in the ecosystem come to market.

About The Author

Daniel Kriozere

Daniel Kriozere

Independent Contributor 

Daniel currently works at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. His original assignment was to maintain and update facility safety documentation for all facilities on-site, and perform risk analysis. Over time, his role has expanded to leading continuous improvement efforts through product management.

Concurrently, Daniel volunteers with Techstars, helping organize startup weekends, and with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, organizing events on the local and national levels of the organization. He also volunteers with One World, and previously with Powerhouse Ventures, to source and screen startups for potential investment.

Daniel holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from UC Davis, and recently completed coursework in energy innovation from Stanford. His passion is at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and business.

Share this post →

DISCOVER CLIMATE STARTUPS & OPPORTUNITIES BEFORE IT HITS THE FRONT PAGE

A weekly newsletter helping climate founders and investors discover undercover climate startups, technologies and opportunities before everyone else. Written by founders, executives and investors with years across the climate-tech space. Subscribe for free today to grow your climate positive impact.

Related posts...

Lake Kivu • The Danger Of A Limnic Eruption

Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes, located on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Its claim to fame is not pristine waters, rare fish, or an elegant shoreline. Instead, Lake Kivu, along with Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun, share the deadly habit of sporadically belching massive gas clouds of carbon dioxide.

Read now âžś

Discover Pre Series-A Climate Startups Weekly

Develop your market map of up-and-coming climate startups and market opportunities by subscribing to our weekly newsletter for free.