“We consider Semprius a solar company worth watching closely,” said Jason Pontin, publisher and editor-in-chief of MIT Technology Review. “It stands out for its novel method of concentrating sunlight onto tiny solar cells to deliver photovoltaic modules with cutting-edge efficiency and the potential to significantly lower the cost of generating solar electricity.”

Semprius is said to be the first company to convert over one-third of the sun’s energy into electricity. It began commercial production of its high-efficiency modules in September 2012, opening its first manufacturing facility in Henderson, N.C. In November, Semprius announced that it will be supplying solar modules to Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne (PWR) in support of PWR’s 200 kilowatt solar system to be located at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Semprius’ proprietary micro-transfer printing process enables the use of what is believed to be the world’s smallest commercial solar cell — approximately the size of a pencil point — to manufacture modules with optimum performance and cost advantages. Compared with conventional silicon-based modules, Semprius says its modules, which were developed with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, are twice as efficient, offer consistent energy output and superior energy yields while performing better in hot climates.

“This recognition by MIT Technology Review validates our ongoing efforts to lower the cost of renewable energy,” said Joe Carr, chief executive officer of Semprius. “We anticipate a busy year filled with innovation and the continued expansion of our production facility to meet the increasing demand for our solar modules.”

For more information, visit www.semprius.com.

Publication date: 3/18/2013