November 26, 2007—A small company commercializing a novel solar energy technology has been named the Clean Energy Entrepreneur of the Year at the 20th Industry Growth Forum sponsored by the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Wakonda Technologies is commercializing a Virtual Single Crystal (VSC) photovoltaic technology that can be aesthetically integrated into buildings, infrastructure, and personal power applications. The technology promises to bring lower costs because of its higher efficiency, lighter weight, and flexibility. The investor panel was impressed with Wakonda’s novel approach, saying the technology “could be a step- change for the solar industry.”
Wakonda Technologies Inc., a New York-based company, beat out 30 competitors for the top prize of $10,000. Winners were announced by Xcel Energy, sponsor of this year’s competition. The 31 participants in the forum were selected from hundreds of applicants to present their business plans to energy executives and potential investors.
Outstanding Presentation Awards of $1,500 cash each went to Albeo Technologies Inc. and Bandgap Engineering. Albeo Technologies develops and markets intelligent solid-state lighting systems that can substantially reduce energy consumption. Bandgap Engineering is working to produce radically more efficient solar cells with maximum efficiencies (the percentage of sunlight striking the cell that is converted to electricity) above 50 percent.
