Semprius Inc high concentration photovoltaic HCPV solar modules

Semprius to Open Its First Solar Module Production Facility in North Carolina

Sept. 18, 2012

At 33.9% conversion efficiency, Semprius’ modules are the first to convert more than one-third of the sun’s energy into electricity, according to the company.

Adrienne Selko

Semprius, Inc., a provider of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules, announced last week that it will open its first production facility in North Carolina.

The new facility, located in Henderson, N.C., uses a proprietary manufacturing process to produce highly efficient solar modules. At 33.9% conversion efficiency, Semprius’ modules are the first to convert more than one-third of the sun’s energy into electricity, according to the company.

Developed with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Semprius’ proprietary micro-transfer printing process enables the use of the world’s smallest solar cell -– approximately the size of a pencil point -– to manufacture modules with unmatched performance and cost advantages.

Semprius was named to MIT Technology Review’s 2012 TR10, an annual list of the world’s 10 most important emerging technologies.

“The highly anticipated opening of this new facility has significant implications for the future of renewable energy,” said Semprius CEO Joe Carr. “With production ramped up, we will be able to effectively service our customers, including companies like Siemens and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne.”

Semprius plans to hire more than 250 employees over the next several years.

Financing came from almost $40 million in funding from equity investors including ARCH Venture Partners, Illinois Ventures, Intersouth Partners, In-Q-Tel, Morgan Creek Capital Management and Siemens Venture Capital as well as $8 million from county and state incentives.

“The opening of Semprius’ solar manufacturing plant in Henderson further strengthens North Carolina’s leadership in clean technology and sustainability,” said Governor Perdue.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.