DeKalb, Ill. — Verde Technologies Inc., a perovskite-focused thin-film solar company based in Burlington, Vermont, has announced a promising new exclusive partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Northern Illinois University to work collaboratively on the commercialization of perovskite solar cells.
NIU Professor Tao Xu
By combining NREL’s and NIU’s recent breakthroughs with Verde’s cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, the collaboration aims to unlock the potential of efficient, safe, low-cost perovskite solar panels at an unprecedented scale.
“Many of the pieces of the puzzle needed for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells are likely already out there,” says NREL’s Senior Scientist Kai Zhu. “It is now largely a matter of figuring out how to put the pieces together, with some tunings, in a stable, low-cost, scalable form factor.”
At the core of the partnership lies a fully exclusive agreement for rights to a portfolio of NREL’s breakthrough perovskite solar technologies, spearheaded by Zhu and NIU Chemistry Professor Tao Xu. Under an agreement with NIU, NREL is taking the lead on commercializing these technologies co-owned by both institutions. NREL and NIU will share any income or royalties generated by the technologies.
One of the innovations, which plays a vital role in Verde’s perovskite solar modules, is a lead-sequestration layer that eliminates concerns of hazardous lead leakage while preserving the structural integrity and power output of the solar cells. With a focus on environmental friendliness and efficient recycling, this technology empowers Verde to create sustainable, affordable and safe solutions for the solar industry.
“This set of technology will help to stabilize the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells manufactured at Verde Technologies and minimize any potential leakage of toxic lead content from perovskite solar cells,” Xu says. “I am excited to see that Verde is taking NREL/NIU’s technologies toward commercialization in the emerging perovskite PV market.”
Furthermore, the partnership introduces NREL’s innovative active encapsulation technique, which is unlike traditional laminate encapsulation. By applying this novel treatment to the entire solar cell, it forms a comprehensive seal that enhances stability and performance by reducing moisture sensitivity. This breakthrough in encapsulation technology strengthens the durability and longevity of solar panels, making them highly resilient even in challenging environments. Verde Technologies incorporates this innovation into its manufacturing process, further enhancing the reliability of its solar modules.
“Our team could not be more excited to have signed this exclusive deal with NREL and to be collaborating with some of the top minds in solar, Dr. Kai Zhu and Dr. Tao Xu,” Verde CEO Skylar Bagdon says. “This agreement perfectly exemplifies Verde’s commitment to collaborating with the community and taking a holistic view of module design that addresses all the key factors of stability, manufacturability, safety and low cost.”
About NIU
Northern Illinois University is a student-centered, nationally recognized public research university, with expertise that benefits its region and spans the globe in a wide variety of fields, including the sciences, humanities, arts, business, engineering, education, health and law. Through its main campus in DeKalb, Illinois, and education centers for students and working professionals in Chicago, Naperville, Oregon and Rockford, NIU offers more than 100 areas of study while serving a diverse and international student body.
About Verde Technologies Inc.:
Verde Technologies Inc., headquartered in Burlington, Vermont, is a pioneering thin-film solar panel company focused on harnessing the potential of perovskite solar panels. By prioritizing affordability, scalability, safety, and durability, Verde Technologies aims to revolutionize the renewable energy landscape. With a strong emphasis on low temperature, domestic manufacturing, Verde Technologies strives to create groundbreaking solutions that maximize solar energy utilization while minimizing environmental impact.
Media Contact: Tom Parisi
