Quantum dot nanotechnology firm UbiQD has signed an unique, multi-year settlement to provide its proprietary fluorescent quantum dot know-how to First Solar. This could enable for the incorporation of quantum dot know-how into First Photo voltaic’s thin-film photo voltaic panels.
The 2 firms have been working together since 2023 on collaborative photo voltaic designs. Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles that exhibit high-efficiency photoluminescence over a variety of tunable colours, making them efficient at optimizing mild spectra.
“This can be a turning level for the quantum dot business with this primary excessive quantity QD provide settlement outdoors of show,” mentioned Hunter McDaniel, PhD, founder and CEO of UbiQD. “This partnership showcases how U.S. innovation and manufacturing can ship differentiated efficiency particularly at a time when making breakthroughs in effectivity and supplies is extra important than ever. First Photo voltaic has been a superb associate, and collectively we’ve demonstrated not simply efficiency advantages, but additionally the cost-effectiveness and scalability of our supplies for photo voltaic spectrum optimization.”
UbiQD’s proprietary quantum dot know-how was initially developed at U.S.-based analysis establishments Los Alamos Nationwide Laboratory and M.I.T. When included into photo voltaic panel encapsulation, QDs can greater than double the bifacial quantum effectivity of sunshine conversion for particular wavelengths/colours — a crucial edge as photo voltaic producers compete globally on efficiency and value.
“At utility-scale, even incremental positive aspects in bifaciality translate into important real-world influence on vitality yield,” mentioned Markus Gloeckler, chief know-how officer, First Photo voltaic. “We’re excited concerning the potential for quantum dot know-how to contribute significant positive aspects to the efficiency of our bifacial modules.”
Whereas First Photo voltaic’s cadmium-telluride (CdTe) thin-film panels haven’t historically been produced in bifacial designs, the corporate’s Series 6 module can are available in a dual-glass bifacial form.
UbiQD plans to construct one of many highest quantity QD manufacturing amenities on the earth, in New Mexico within the coming yr.
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