Lower Solar Cost and Higher Efficiency is "Gift from the Sun" (Energy Priorities Archives)

Lower Solar Cost and Higher Efficiency is "Gift from the Sun"

Suniva's investors have put US $55 million of venture capital into a startup whose technology promises to achieve high efficiencies with low-cost monocrystalline silicon solar cells. Denis Du Bois interviews founder and solar pioneer Ajeet Rohatgi about the future of the PV industry and the meaning of his company's name. (podcast)

by Denis Du Bois
April 22, 2008

Podcast

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Music by Chris Keister

Program Notes

Dr. Rohatgi is following 30 years of pioneering solar research with a startup of his own. His goal: cost parity with coal power from the grid. He discusses the cost targets and how Suniva could get there; why the silicon shortage worries him, but thin-film competition doesn't; India and China; and Suniva's new plant in Atlanta GA. Dr. Rohatgi tells me Suniva (pronounced sun-EVE-a) means "gift from the sun."

Transcript

Coming soon.

Comments

An Architect very interested in PV solar applications, as well as a designer of industrical facilities

Posted by: Rick B. Sellers AIA | July 15, 2008 10:11 AM

Good clarity on monocrystalline Si.

Is it not true that thin films with CIGS have gone beyond the efficiency levels of the stated nine percent levels

Posted by: Salmon Leap India | August 24, 2008 11:50 PM

I am convinced about the benefits, I will like to install a solar panel manufacturing plant in India of about 30MW capacity or higher, arrangements can be done for buy back by you for US consumption.

Posted by: VIJAY K MEHROTRA | December 18, 2008 12:47 AM

India is expected to emerge as a leading player in SPV systems, in view of its abundant sunshine.
I am searching for a capable technology and investement partner for tapping this sector in India.

Posted by: SHARAD MAHENDRA | January 31, 2009 07:51 PM

As a solid state laser manufacturer, How can I be of any help to the gift from sun programme and a cause ?

Posted by: naren shikarkhane | March 2, 2009 07:52 AM

Dr. Rohatgi's proven technology expertize will definitely prove Suniva as a market leader.

I wish you all the best.

Posted by: Ram Upadhyay | March 14, 2009 09:22 PM

All of this solar talk is fine, but finding pricing, and I mean ACTUAL NUMBERS of solar cells, panels, controllers, inverters, ul compliant wiring, and the like on the internet is like pulling hens teeth. Just give us the numbers of the percent effs, pricing, voltages, wattage and the like and let us run with it. It is really sad that folks are so secretative with their data that they won't even give it out to potential customers. What are you afraid of? Success?

Posted by: Fan o de sun | September 19, 2011 11:43 AM