Entech Solar Unveils Next-Generation Products
31 Juli 2009 - 2:00PM
Business Wire
Entech Solar (OTC BB: ENSL.OB) (the “Company”, “Entech”) today
announced significant progress with its development programs for
both its concentrating solar and skylight products. Since March
2009 when Entech suspended manufacturing operations for its
previous generation of concentrating solar systems, the Company has
been fully dedicated to the design and development of its
next-generation products.
Highlights:
- Successful completion of the
preliminary design review and prototype of the next-generation
concentrating solar product, ThermaVolt™ II
- Filing of multiple provisional
patent applications associated with the ThermaVolt II module
- Successful completion of the
preliminary design review of the patented tubular skylight
Entech has successfully completed the preliminary design phase
of its next-generation product in the ThermaVolt product line,
ThermaVolt II, including the construction and operation of a
prototype that produces both electricity and thermal energy. Dr.
Frank W. Smith, Entech Solar’s Chief Executive Officer, comments,
“ThermaVolt II’s combined output of electricity and thermal energy
produces four to five times the amount of energy compared to
traditional photovoltaic systems. Through the net metering of
electricity and the offset of natural gas, ThermaVolt II has the
potential to be highly disruptive in the solar energy marketplace.”
In addition to Entech’s previous concentrating solar energy
patents, the Company has filed a number of new provisional patent
applications associated with the ThermaVolt II design and
manufacturing process to ensure appropriate protection of the
Company’s intellectual property and to allow public disclosure of
certain product features and benefits.
ThermaVolt II leverages Entech Solar’s proven optical technology
by using its proprietary arched Fresnel lens to provide about 20
times concentration of sunlight onto the solar cells, saving about
95% of the relatively expensive silicon cell material. “For the
past 25 years, our arched Fresnel lenses have demonstrated
outstanding performance in the real-world environment, and
ThermaVolt II will continue to use this proven optical
concentrating technology,” said Mark O’Neill, Entech Solar’s Chief
Technology Officer. The product’s unique design is applicable for
both ground and roof-mount applications, and focuses on low cost,
manufacturability, ease of installation, compactness and high
reliability.
The ThermaVolt II module’s size and shape are similar to those
of a standard flat-plate PV module. The standard dimensions will
ease adoption in the marketplace and expands Entech’s addressable
market to include rooftop applications. The standard size also
allows for a more conventional installation approach, greatly
increasing the potential dealer and installer channels to market.
In addition, the fully-assembled, compact shape enables palletized
shipping, resulting in reduced transportation costs. Additional
product details and images of the ThermaVolt II prototype may be
found on Entech Solar’s website: www.entechsolar.com.
In addition to its improved design, ThermaVolt II leverages
well-known, existing semiconductor manufacturing processes using
proven, off-the-shelf equipment and can be readily outsourced to
low-cost, sub-contract manufacturers. Entech’s ability to outsource
the manufacturing of the ThermaVolt II module will allow for more
competitive pricing and for readily increasing production
volumes.
Since March, the Company has also been dedicating resources to
the development of its patented tubular skylight. With significant
applicable funding opportunities from the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 and a growing commercial green building
market, Entech Solar has renewed its commitment to commercialize
its state-of-the-art tubular skylight. “We view the skylight
opportunity as a possible means to diversify and grow our near-term
revenue,” states Dr. Smith. Skylight customers benefit from reduced
electricity bills and increased productivity from the natural
light, resulting in an expected payback period of approximately
five years. The manufacturing of the skylight can be easily
outsourced, requiring very little capital investment from the
Company. Images of Entech’s installed tubular skylights and their
lighting performance can be viewed on Entech Solar’s website:
www.entechsolar.com
Going forward, Entech Solar will continue to focus on the
commercialization of both the ThermaVolt II and tubular skylight
products. The Company’s next steps in developing the ThermaVolt II
module include building a reliable supply chain, completing the
UL-certification process, and installing beta sites. The Company’s
next steps in developing the tubular skylight product line include
building a reliable supply chain and working with roofing companies
and energy service companies (ESCOs) on initial installations.
About Entech Solar
Entech Solar, Inc. is a leading developer of renewable energy
technologies for the commercial and industrial markets. Entech
designs concentrating solar modules that provide both electricity
and thermal energy as part of its ThermaVolt™ product line. The
Company also develops a state-of-the-art tubular skylight that
provides superior light output and optical efficiency for the
commercial and industrial green buildings initiatives. For more
information, please visit www.entechsolar.com.
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