Solar power company shines at Lord Stafford Awards

Molecular Solar is pioneering ultra-thin, flexible solar panels that can be used in portable chargers for mobile phones and other handheld devices, allowing devices to be recharged without needing to be connected to a mains power supply.

As well as being a convenient way to charge electronic equipment, the technology will also help to reduce an individual’s carbon footprint.

The Lord Stafford Awards showcase collaboration between business and academia in the Midlands and Molecular Solar was recognised for its very successful partnership with Warwick Ventures, the University of Warwick’s technology commercialisation company.

Warwick Ventures helped set the company up in 2008 and has been instrumental in securing funding to enable Molecular Solar to translate the research done in the University’s Department of Chemistry into marketable products.

Most recently, Molecular Solar announced that its solar cells, which are made from organic photovoltaic materials, can now produce voltages of over 4 watts, making its technology suitable for recharging the lithium ion batteries used in many handheld devices. This means the cells are now ready to be developed for commercial use.

At a ceremony held last night (17 November) in Birmingham, Molecular Solar’s academic founders, Professors Tim Jones, Mike Shipman and Ross Hatton were presented with the award by Lord Stafford.

Professor Shipman says: “Molecular Solar is founded on the strength of its partnerships with Warwick Ventures, the University of Warwick’s Department of Chemistry, and other companies with whom we are working closely. We are delighted that the success of those partnerships has been recognised by the Lord Stafford team.”

Quentin Compton Bishop, CEO of Warwick Ventures, says: “Warwick Ventures has spun out more than 50 companies over the past 11 years and it is always a great honour to be recognised in the Lord Stafford Awards. We are delighted with Molecular Solar’s achievement and look forward to working with them as they continue to grow and develop a truly groundbreaking technology.”