Magnolia Solar receives $1M from NYSERDA to improve thin-film cell efficiency

Magnolia Solar has received a US$1 million award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This award is to develop advanced thin-film solar cells in partnership with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany.

Magnolia Solar will work in close collaboration with faculty and scientists from CNSE's Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC) at CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex to demonstrate its technologies in nanostructure-based thin-film solar cells.

Dr. Ashok Sood, president and CEO of Magnolia Solar, said, "We are delighted to receive this critical funding from NYSERDA, and to have the opportunity to play a role in providing future energy solutions for New York State. We are committed to growing in the Albany region, supported by the world-class intellectual and technological infrastructure at CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex."

"Magnolia Solar's mission is to provide environmentally responsible and low-cost solutions for the solar power industry, and to be an integral part of New York's green energy future."

Dr. Pradeep Haldar, CNSE professor and head of NanoEngineering and executive director of E2TAC, said, "We look forward to working closely with Magnolia Solar on this innovative clean energy research, which enhances New York's push to accelerate the development of renewable and environmentally friendly energy technologies. This partnership further demonstrates CNSE's growing portfolio in supporting both innovative technologies and companies in the critical alternative energy sector."

Professor Fred Schubert at RPI is also supporting the program, which is designed to improve energy efficiency while reducing production costs. Magnolia Solar has received a NYSERDA order for the first phase of this three-phase development program.