Photovoltaic module efficiency leader begins commercial production

DURHAM, N.C.--Semprius, Inc., an innovator in high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules, will officially open its first production facility on Sept. 26 in Henderson, N.C. North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue, North Carolina Representative James Crawford and Semprius CEO Joe Carr will deliver remarks during the opening ceremony beginning at 9:00 a.m. EDT.

The new facility uses a proprietary manufacturing process to produce the world's highest efficiency solar modules. At 33.9 percent conversion efficiency, Semprius' modules are the first to convert more than one-third of the sun's energy into electricity.

"The highly anticipated opening of this new facility has significant implications for the future of renewable energy," said Carr. "It's a major milestone for Semprius, and we're very proud of our team and our public and private partners that have helped us bring it in on time and on budget. 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. In the last 15 months, Semprius raised 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. In addition, Semprius was awarded North Carolina and Vance County incentives totaling almost $8 million.

"The opening of Semprius' solar manufacturing plant in Henderson further strengthens North Carolina's leadership in clean technology and sustainability," said Governor Perdue. "We congratulate Semprius on all of their successes thus far and look forward to their continued growth – and with it, new high tech jobs for the highly skilled North Carolina workforce."

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. Compared with conventional silicon-based modules, Semprius' modules are twice as efficient, offer consistent energy output and superior energy yields while performing much better in hot climates.

About Semprius

Semprius, Inc. holds the world record for solar module efficiency, reaching 33.9 percent. Using the world's smallest solar cells and applying state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, Semprius is leading the way to cost-competitive, sustainable solar electricity. Semprius was named to MIT Technology Review's 2012 TR10, an annual list of the world's 10 most important emerging technologies. Semprius' headquarters and production facilities are located in North Carolina, USA. For more information, please visit www.semprius.com.