SolFocus successfully completes NREL program, Central Arizona Project to benefit

SolFocus has successfully completed its 18-month aggressive Incubator Technology program, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The DOE granted the company US$2.2 million to develop reflective optic-based CPV panels that would enable a competitively priced renewable that would push fossil fuels back under ground. 

After a final review at NREL's Golden, CO campus, the laboratory determined the SolFocus technology met or exceeded the program's requirements. The optics developed under this program have been incorporated into the SolFocus 1100S CPV system which has recently become full-scale, with 11MW of product being shipped in 2009 and an estimated 100MW of manufacturing capacity in place by the end of 2011. 

NREL senior scientist Martha Symko-Davies said, "They developed a highly innovative 650x concentrating PV module emphasizing high reliability and high efficiency."

The City of Mesa, Arizona will be the first showcase of the SolFocus technology developed through the NREL PV incubator program.  Eleven SolFocus SF-1100S CPV arrays will be installed at the city's 92kW Central Arizona Project Water Treatment Plant. 

"The city of Mesa is committed to developing renewable energy sources as part of its environmental sustainability program," explained Bill Jabjiniak, Director of Economic Development for the city.  "SolFocus has become an important partner to the City of Mesa in its economic development efforts as well as in its sustainable energy initiatives." 

SolFocus also recently completed an expansion of its Mesa glass reflector manufacturing factory with full production expected in the second half of 2009 and an annual payroll of more than $7.5 million.