30 March 2011

Emcore acquires assets of CPV system maker Soliant

Emcore Corp of Albuquerque, NM, USA, which makes components and subsystems for the fiber-optic and solar power markets, has acquired certain assets of Soliant Energy Inc of Monrovia, CA, a developer of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems for commercial rooftop applications. Soliant’s rooftop CPV system combine CPV modules with patent-pending TipTilt Tracking, offering what is said to be a high-energy-density, light-weight, low-profile, and low-cost solution.

The Soliant assets acquired by Emcore include the equipment, inventory, software, licenses, intellectual property, and tooling for the rooftop solar energy product line. The acquisition was completed as part of an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors process. Emcore did not assume any liabilities of Soliant.

Emcore plans to integrate the former Soliant R&D and pilot-production line into its existing facilities in Alhambra, CA. The commercial manufacturing operation is expected to transfer to Emcore’s low-cost manufacturing joint venture Suncore in Huainan, China. Key members of the former Soliant team will join Emcore to facilitate the integration, product development, and business development and customer support.

“The addition of Soliant’s rooftop CPV product line [to Emcore’s terrestrial CPV product portfolio] gives Emcore immediate access to the reportedly multi-billion dollar rooftop PV market, and expands the reach of Emcore's existing ground-mount systems,” says CEO Dr Hong Hou. “We are very impressed with the capability of the Soliant team. With the establishment of our CPV design and customer service center in Southern California, we will be able to develop business opportunities and serve our customer base in the most active region for solar installations,” he adds.

“This integration allows us to leverage Emcore’s highly efficient solar cell supply and its low-cost manufacturing infrastructure,” says Dr Rick Russell, former VP of engineering & operations for Soliant and new VP of engineering for Emcore Rooftop CPV Systems. “Soliant enjoyed a very successful working relationship with Emcore through the development of our system,” he notes. “This combined team will allow us to accelerate delivery of the most cost-effective and highest reliable rooftop system to market.”

See related items:

Emcore’s revenue falls 4% due to ITC parallel-optical module ruling

Tags: Emcore Soliant CPV systems

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