Gartner highlights its ‘Cool Vendor’ solar start-ups

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

In its “Cool Vendors in Solar Energy, 2010” report, Gartner highlights some of the solar energy start-ups to keep an eye on that it believes are developing technologies and innovations that will likely have a strong impact on the adoption of solar energy. Companies included in the review include, Applied Quantum Technology, BrightView Systems, Confluence Solar, Innovalight and Solexant.

Gartner noted that innovation remains strong in the PV industry, although venture funding is somewhat limited in comparison with two or three years ago.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

A key hurdle for start-up’s is to overcome the lack of project finance for solar installation projects as finance requirements have turned to the ‘bankability’ of projects, which dictate the use of previously used and known vendors and products.

According to the market research firm, vendors in the Cool Vendors report are developing innovations that have the potential to dramatically lower the cost of PV solar energy, if they can surmount the bankability barrier. This has become a key focus of start-ups since the collapse in average selling prices that occurred during 2009.

Read Next

June 11, 2026
German renewables developer Juwi will cut jobs and reduce its management staff in response to declining margins and “significant economic pressure” in the German renewables market.
June 11, 2026
The ongoing permitting challenge is a key factor slowing down solar manufacturing and deployment in the US, according to T1 Energy’s CEO, Dan Barcelo.
Premium
June 11, 2026
T1 Energy's CEO Dan Barcelo explains his optimism about US solar manufacturing and how it can deliver on the power demand growth.
June 11, 2026
The European Union has launched an investment platform to expand renewable energy, clean technology manufacturing and electricity networks across the Mediterranean region.
June 11, 2026
South African national utility Eskom has launched a new unit to focus on large-scale renewable energy projects.
June 11, 2026
GoldenPeaks Poland Holding has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US after a severe liquidity crunch.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 1, 2026
Mexico City, Mexico
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 9, 2026