Nanoco agrees solar deal with Tokyo Electron

MANCHESTER University spin-out Nanoco has signed a deal with a Japanese manufacturer to supply a special film used in solar panels.

It has agreed to jointly develop solar photovoltaic nanomaterial film with Tokyo Electron.
 
It marks Nanoco’s first commercial relationship in the solar energy sector.

The company, which manufacturers quantum dots – tiny fluorescent particles of semiconductor material which have the ability to emit light – has previously focused on the LED lighting market.

The dots can be used in flat screen TVs and mobile displays and are in demand because they reduce power consumption.

Under the terms of the deal, Nanoco will develop a solar-active nanomaterial film for use in Tokyo Electron’s solar cell manufacturing equipment.

The company will receive upfront and milestone payments during the nine-month development phase after which it expects to sign a supply and license agreement.
 
Chief executive Michael Edelman, said: “We are delighted to enter this agreement with Tokyo Electron, marking our first commercial relationship in the solar energy sector.

“We are confident that our nanomaterial technology has the potential to deliver highly efficient, printable, solar-active films and look forward to working with Tokyo Electron in making these commercially available.”