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Our Bureau

`A big step towards commercialisation of CPV technology'

New Delhi , Oct. 14

Moser Baer Photo Voltaic Ltd (MBPV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Moser Baer India Ltd, this week acquired a stake of 10 per cent in Palo Alto-based SolFocus Inc, a company dealing in Concentration Photovoltaic (CPV) technology. Moser Baer has invested Rs 32 crore in the company.

This is the second investment of Moser Baer, after US-based Solaria where the company has acquired 15-20 per cent stake.

"While Solaria uses silicon-based technology suitable for small installations for residential as well as commercial purposes, SolFocus' non-silicon-based technology, which can concentrate 500 per cent of solar energy, will have applications for mega industrial projects," said Mr Yogesh Mathur, Chief Financial Officer, MBPV.

These investments into first generation non-silicon-based photovoltaic concentration technology form an integral part of the company's strategy to develop a sustainable competitive edge and technological leadership in this high growth industry.

The solar concentrator technology holds significant potential to expand the global market and applications which today are restricted due to the high cost of silicon-based systems with respect to conventional energy.

Pilot production

Mr Ravi Khanna, CEO, MBPV, said, "This agreement represents a significant step for both SolFocus and MBPV towards commercialisation of CPV technology."

The agreement also gives MBPV the exclusive distribution rights of SolFocus' CPV panels in India and neighbouring countries, which is estimated to be among the fastest growing regions for solar energy business.

While pilot production and field tests at the company are expected to begin in 2007, commercial production is planned for 2008.

SolFocus also has pilot production under way in Sunnyvale, California, where over 4,000 panels will be produced for extensive reliability and field testing.

The production for both Solaria as well as SolFocus will also take place from its Noida SEZ, which will become operational by early next year.

The company is targeting its products for the US, European and Indian markets.

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