As an example of the direct impact of university research on the potential for leadership in the clean energy economy, work completed over the last several years at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado has led to the formation of Abound Solar. Examiner.com reports that the company “was born in the bowels of Colorado State University – the result of real scientific research based on the belief that to be truly successful, solar technology would have to be based on a low cost, high throughput production process.” Universities play a vital role in the development of technology essential to helping solve the dependence on nonrenewable energy. According to the Northern Colorado Business Report, Abound Solar (located in Longmont, Colorado, approximately 30 miles – 50 kilometers – south of Fort Collins), opened its first large scale manufacturing plant yesterday.

Solarbuzz reports that “Abound Solar (formerly AVA Solar), a low-cost, thin-film photovoltaic solar start up has opened its first full-scale production. . . . This facility utilizes a proprietary manufacturing process that significantly reduces production costs of solar panels. . . . The fully automated facility will create more than 300 new jobs and, when at capacity, will produce 200 MW of solar modules annually.” The ability to drive down the cost of solar cells and provide jobs presents yet another example of how the clean energy economy is at the forefront of economic recovery. Photovoltaic systems represent just one piece of a renewable energy portfolio for energy independence. It is imperative to develop a number of resources through partnerships with research universities. These relationships provide society with an essential service. By incubating nascent technologies and investing in research and development, universities stand at the forefront of change.

- Eric Wilson