Through their Cleantech Innovation Program, PARC, Inc. (Palo Alto Research Center, a Xerox Company) developed a novel method for
front metallization of solar cells. Their "co-extrusion" technology
draws on the group’s printing expertise to lay down thinner metal
gridlines, which result in less shadowing and 6% to 8% relative cell
efficiency improvement.
PARC engaged GreenMountain to apply our familiarity with solar manufacturing technologies to evaluate their paths to market and
create a product development plan. We researched
available opportunities for commercializing the technology, ad-
dressed potential solutions to early technical challenges, identified
and evaluated technical risks, and provided feedback on process
scale-up.
The PARC team used this valuable information as they moved for-
ward to seek VC funding spun out the group into a new company.