Advent Solar

About Advent Solar

Advent Solar, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, operated as a developer of advanced technology for crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules. The company focused on creating intellectual property for high-energy silicon PV solutions, positioning itself as a manufacturer of silicon-based solar cells and modules. Over its operational years, Advent Solar secured significant funding, raising approximately $108-109 million to finance its activities, including the construction and operation of a 25 MW production plant in Albuquerque.

The company's core product was its Ventura™ Technology, a comprehensive cell-to-module architecture. This technology was centered on an Emitter-Wrap Through (EWT) back-contact design, which aimed to boost cell efficiency by moving electrical contacts to the rear of the cell. This design minimized resistive losses and eliminated grid obstruction on the cell's surface, allowing more light to be captured and converted into electricity, reportedly achieving efficiencies greater than 17%. A key benefit was its ability to utilize thinner silicon wafers, reducing material costs and the overall cost-per-watt of the solar electricity produced. Advent Solar provided its Ventura™ Technology to industry partners through a licensing model.

A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Applied Materials, a leading supplier of equipment to the solar PV industry, on November 6, 2009. Applied Materials acquired substantially all of Advent Solar's assets, including its intellectual property, for an undisclosed cash amount. The acquisition was a strategic move for Applied Materials to enhance its portfolio of c-Si solar technologies and improve its competitive position against thin-film alternatives. Following the transaction, Advent Solar's assets and its small production line were integrated into Applied's Energy and Environmental Solutions Group.