Monday 28 Oct 2013 @ 15:20
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
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Success Story: The future of solar power is Oxford Photovoltaics
It took just 10 minutes for Kevin Arthur to be persuaded that the tiny square of red glass on his fingertips was the future of solar power.
He had only recently been involved in a solar energy start-up company and was keen to try his hand at something new.
But that was before he met the charismatic Oxford University physicist Dr Henry Snaith and saw his remarkable solar cells.
‘I went into the room a sceptic and came out a believer,' says Kevin, the Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Photovoltaics.
Four years later – with a range of Technology Strategy Board fundings under their belt the two of them were heading up one of the UK's most promising young green companies.
The incredible journey
‘We would still be in the lab if it wasn't for the Technology Strategy Board – they listened to us when nobody else would – and their faith in our technology is seeing fruition right now – we are world leaders in our field,' added Kevin.
‘We have been on the most amazing journey with them. In the beginning – on that day in that room just four years ago – Henry showed me a solar cell technology that was low-cost, easy to produce and which could be printed on the surface of glass.
‘The idea gripped me straight away. You mixed up the stuff and printed it on glass. That meant it could be used in the glass skins of commercial buildings - a massive market. I was really excited by the opportunity!
By November 2009, Kevin already had more than 20 years' experience in the semi-conductor industry and two promising university spin-outs under his belt. He wanted a new challenge.
‘I was entrepreneur in residence at Imperial College when I was phoned by Isis Innovation – Oxford University's technology transfer arm - who asked if I wanted to be chief executive officer of another solar start up.
‘I'd already done solar with a university spin-out called QuantaSol so I told them ‘no thanks,' but by the end of that meeting with Henry I had changed my mind,' explained Kevin.
Click here for the full success story and further information.
