Silicon Valley Focuses On Solar Power

Feb. 2 - KGO (KGO) -- Silicon Valley is also poised to lead the way in developing alternative energy sources. Solar is in fact, the most rapidly growing energy sector and demand is driving innovation.

The next big thing in solar energy looks like this -- thin flexible rolls of stainless steel with seven layers of material to create solar cells.

David Pearce, Miasole President & CEO: "All of this is based on semiconductor technology. We just use a lot less semiconductor material."

Miasole in Santa Clara is on the cutting edge of creating cost-effective solar power for the masses. And it's not alone. Venture capitalists have also funded Nanosolar in Palo Alto to the tune of $100 million dollars.

John Doerr, Venture Capitalist: "Silicon valley perhaps could be named Solar Valley. I believe the companies that are built here could have billions of dollars in revenue and could lead the world."

The solar market is a $12 billion dollar industry and growing at a rate of 43 percent a year. Sunpower based in San Jose got its start in the solar market in 1985 and now produces one of the most efficient solar panels on the market.

Julie Blunden, Sunpower Corporation: "Our goal is to increase efficiency and lower costs so solar becomes mainstream across the country."

The solar start-ups have the same goal and they are eager to move quickly from testing and pilot production to home delivery.

Right now, Miasole has one production line running. By the end of the year they expect to have eight.

David Pearce has been in Silicon Valley for 20 years with six start-ups under his belt. He says this one is the most exciting yet.

David Pearce: "This one has the added benefit of a lot of social responsibility. We're addressing energy independence, we're addressing energy security, so there's just an awful lot going for solar."

The solar players say the sun is definitely shining on Silicon Valley.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•