DyeTec wins Ohio State Development Grant

DyeTec Solar Inc., a joint venture involving Dyesol Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dyesol Ltd., announced today that it will receive a US$1 million Ohio Third Frontier Commission grant to develop technology for mass manufacture of glass based BIPV (building integrated photovoltaic’s), BAPV (building applied photovoltaics) and AIPV (automotive integrated photovoltaics) products.

DyeTec’s technology is designed to utilize optimized transparent conductive oxide (TCO) glass and dye solar cell (DSC) materials manufactured by the JV partners, and enables downstream suppliers in the glass market to mass produce high performing DSC – TCO glass-based products for use in BIPV, BAPV and AIPV environments. Initial DyeTec efforts will result in the development of prototype DSC-based BIPV glass panels and related equipment sets, laying the foundation for future high volume manufacturing capability.

“DyeTec is fortunate to be able to leverage Toledo’s rich history in glass processing and solar technology as well as a talented workforce. And with strong government and shareholder support, Ohio represents an ideal environment for DyeTec Solar to grow its R&D and manufacturing centres” states Marc Thomas, CEO of Dyesol Inc., and president of DyeTec Solar.

BIPV and BAPV represent the single largest markets for both DSC and TEC technology. With commercial and residential building consuming over 70% of all the energy used in the US today, and of that 70%, over 25% is in the form of electricity. This 25% equates to a demand of approximately 820 GW in the built environment, and by contrast, in 2008, total PV deployment in the US was .6 GW. DyeTec’s glass based DSC technology is ideally suited to capture and convert the light on all sides of a building into electricity for immediate use within the building, and/or supply electricity directly into the grid.

“Dyesol is poised to respond to this extraordinary opportunity. Here we bring together the very best possible partners to assist in providing an energy solution for the global market place,” Richard Caldwell, executive chairman of Dyesol Limited, and director of DyeTec Solar noted. “Glass-based DSC products have the ability to the transform the utility of any light absorbing surface and their commercial potential is very considerable.”