Bloo Solar

About Bloo Solar

Bloo Solar, founded in 2005 and formerly known as Q1 NanoSystems, operated as a developer and manufacturer of third-generation solar photovoltaic modules. The company was co-founded by Ruxandra Vidu, Brian Argo, John Argo, and Professor Pieter Stroeve, originating from intellectual property developed at UC Davis related to the manufacturing of nanostructures. This IP formed the basis of the company's core technology.

The company's primary product was its proprietary "Solar Brush" technology. This technology utilized three-dimensional, single-junction solar cells composed of millions of tiny vertical bristles, each acting as an individual solar cell. This design aimed to increase the optical volume for better light trapping and provide a long photon absorption path while maintaining a short carrier collection path, theoretically boosting efficiency. Bloo Solar claimed this approach could yield two to three times more energy than existing planar solar technologies. The business model focused on manufacturing and selling these advanced solar modules, targeting both residential and utility-scale installations with the goal of producing solar power below grid parity. The company secured a total of $33.4M in funding from investors including Acadia Woods Partners and Bald Eagle Partners.

Despite raising significant capital, including a $6.8 million round in 2013, the company faced challenges. Reports from 2016 indicated that the company was winding down its operations and selling assets. The ambitious claims about energy yield were met with skepticism from industry experts, and the technology, which required deep fundamental research, struggled to attract traditional venture capital. In early 2017, it was announced that some of Bloo Solar's equipment was acquired by Siva Power, marking the end of its journey as an independent entity.