Konarka will work on developing new components for its products with Total’s chemical subsidiaries, Atotech, Bostik, Hutchinson, Sartomer and Total Petrochemicals USA.
Already present in solar energy through its interest in Photovoltech and Tenesol, Total intends to step up its crystalline silicon-based cell production. At the same time, it aims to grow in the thin film segment, which Konarka will help it to do.
Howard Berke, executive chairman and co-founder of Konarka, said: This is a very substantial and significant investment from a major global energy corporation. This strategic alignment will give Konarka access to a new strength of resources, assets and operations from around the world.
Through the agreements, Konarka will be very instrumental in helping Total to secure its future in solar energy by facilitating the growth of its solar thin film segment of the company’s renewable energy business.
Konarka develops and manufactures solar plastic films that convert light to energy. As a developer of polymer-based, organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology, it has a portfolio of patents, technology licenses and a technical, scientific and manufacturing team.
