Solar power has the potential to be a significant part of Ohio’s energy future. Due to the state’s historical involvement in the glass industry and its strong manufacturing base, many Ohio businesses are poised to become part of the solar photovoltaic supply chain. Currently, Ohio is home to more than 115 companies and research institutions that are developing solar energy technologies. The supply chain for the PV industry includes manufacturers and system integrators in semiconducting materials, glass, polymers, thin film coating machines, metal extrusion and stamping, power electronics, roll-to-roll fabrication, and system design and installation.
Specifically Northwest Ohio has transformed into one of the leading regions in the nation for thin-film solar production. A leading factor in Northwest Ohio’s solar industry growth and perhaps the area in which Ohio most separates itself from other states is research and higher education. Through the Third Frontier, in partnership with the state’s universities, Ohio is advancing solar research. The Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization (PVIC) is a state-funded collaboration between three Ohio universities that provide a world-class science and technology platform employing second and third generation photovoltaics materials for applications in clean energy generation.
NorTech Energy Enterprise will work with the emerging solar cluster in Northwest Ohio to develop partnership and collaboration opportunities for Northeast Ohio cluster members.
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