Led · Series C · Jun 2021

NEXT Energy Technologies makes a proprietary transparent photovoltaic (PV) coating and solution-processed organic photovoltaics (OPV) that can be coated as an ink onto architectural glass. Its technology uses proprietary organic semiconducting materials that the company says are earth-abundant, low-cost, and compatible with a high-speed, low-energy coating process. NEXT aims to produce window-PV modules that can be integrated into commercial insulated glass units (IGUs) for on-site renewable energy generation. The company says the product is targeted at helping commercial buildings achieve net-zero energy and reducing carbon footprints. NEXT is accelerating development and commercialization to scale manufacturing and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, working with partners and California regulators. The company is based in Santa Barbara, California, and is led by CEO and co-founder Daniel Emmett. NEXT Energy Technologies, based in Santa Barbara, develops low-cost, printable transparent coatings that enable windows to function like solar panels by harvesting sunlight with proprietary organic semiconducting materials. The company’s coating is applied as an ink in a high-speed, low-cost, low-energy process and is designed for integration with commercial windows and glass facades. NEXT positions the product to help architects, developers and building owners reduce operating costs while meeting net-zero and sustainability goals. The company is accelerating work toward large-area coating commercialization, pilot installations, durability testing, and industry certification for use by leading window manufacturers. NEXT was recently selected into the CalTestBed Initiative and is receiving up to $300,000 in third-party testing support to demonstrate and enhance reliability. Financially, the company closed a $13.4 million Series C to fund these commercialization and testing activities.