Qld Solar Innovation Receives US Development Grant

26 Nov 09

XeroCoat, which makes a specialised anti-reflexive coating to increase the efficiency of solar panels, has been awarded a $3.1 million US Department of Energy grant.

Queensland Environment Minister Kate Jones said the grant demonstrated the role the state was playing in fostering world-leading green technology.

The company, which was started by two University of Queensland researchers after receiving initial funding from the state government, was now a world leader in its field of innovation, Ms Jones said.

"It shows that Queensland does not have to look overseas for technologies that address climate change," she said in a statement.

"We have visionary people starting companies right here that are committed to developing innovative products that reduce energy and greenhouse gas emissions."

The US project will focus on increasing the efficiency of thin film solar panels to give them an extra hour of energy creation, helping to make solar energy a viable alternative to burning fossil fuels.

Source Australian Associated Press

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