June 6, 2008—HP and Xtreme Energetics (XE), a solar energy system developer based in Livermore, Calif., have entered into 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 technology collaboration and licensing agreement, HP will license its transparent transistor technology to XE in return for royalty payments, the companies said.
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.
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.
HP encourages other organizations worldwide to leverage its vast research and development network and portfolio of nearly 30,000 patents to bring new technologies to market through intellectual property licensing agreements. These agreements also enable HP to generate a return on its research and development investment through licensing fees and royalties.
