11-02/03 :: February / March 2011

nanotimes

Companies Facts

simulation systems using the sophisticated software from Santa Clara-based Silvaco.

“We have known that getting access to the highest level simulation software was critical to our develop- ment process. Silvaco provides an accurate, solar- specific simulation module that enables us to forecast outputs without incurring the costs of developing trial and error prototypes; thus, saving critical develop- ment time as well,” said Jim Nelson, CEO of Solar3D.

Solar3D plans to have a working prototype by the end of the 2011. Specifically, the Silvaco software will allow Solar3D complete complex calculations of how the light will be directed at each point of light contact; thus enabling the company to design an op- tical element (lens) that virtually eliminates reflection of light and re-absorption of electrons. http://www.Solar3D.com

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olyndra, a manufacturer of cylindrical solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for large industrial

and commercial rooftops, closed a new $75 million secured credit facility underwritten by existing inve- stors. The proceeds from the financing will be used to support Solyndra’s working capital requirements, accelerate the Company’s ongoing cost reduction activities and execute its expanded channel and segment sales and marketing strategy. “Solyndra has excellent marketplace momentum, with record installations of our product in the fourth quarter and annual revenues exceeding $140 million last year,” said Brian Harrison, Solyndra’s president and CEO. “With strong acceptance of our 200 Series product, we are seeing growth in the U.S. and mar- kets throughout Europe. We have recently reached a number of significant milestones, including the

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shipment of nearly 100 megawatts of panels, the completion of more than 1,000 installations in 20 countries and the announcement of our PV green- house solution.” http://www.solyndra.com

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pire Corporation (NASDAQ: SPIR), a global solar company providing capital equipment and turn-

key manufacturing lines to produce photovoltaic (PV) modules announced the introduction of a new advanced metrology product, the Spi-EL™ Electro- luminescence Solar Module Tester, at the SNEC 5th (2011) International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Exhibition in Shanghai, China.

The Spi-EL series of solar module testers use elec- troluminescence (EL) to identify microcracks and other invisible defects in modules. The testers utilize cooled near-infrared charge-coupled device camera technology to image each solar cell with resolutions less than 200 um per pixel, the equivalent of a 60 megapixel image for an entire module.