Solar Power Technologies builds the Clarity system, a wireless monitoring and optimization platform that installs small controllers behind panels to identify weakened modules and raise outputs of surrounding panels. The system addresses the “christmas tree light problem” by removing constraints that force entire chains to operate at the weakest panel's output. The company claims Clarity can enable commercial solar arrays to harvest 15–20% more total power over a 20-year lifespan. SPT is conducting field trials with utilities in the southwestern United States and said it will advance to a commercial launch by mid-year. The startup plans to use new capital to complete field tests, attain safety and environmental certifications, ramp production, and hire personnel to expand its sales footprint. It also intends to adapt the technology beyond crystalline panels to work with CIGS, thin-film and concentrated photovoltaics and to expand sales to Europe and Asia by the end of 2011.

Total raised

$6M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jan 2011