Santa Clara (CA) -  Intel said that it is spinning off one of its businesses that have resulted from within its New Business Initiatives group into its own company structure. SpectraWatt is a new venture that is created to manufacture and supply photovoltaic cells to solar module makers.

The new company is being funded through a $50 million investment round by Intel, Goldman Sachs subsidiary Cogentrix Energy, the PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund and Solon. Intel said that SpectraWatt will manufacture and supply solar cells to solar module makers and will focus on improving current manufacturing processes and capabilities to reduce the cost of photovoltaic energy generation.

SpectraWatt expects to break ground on its manufacturing and advanced technology development facility in Oregon in the second half of 2008 with first product shipments expected by mid-2009.
 
Intel believes that the end-user solar technology market will grow by 30 to 40% annually from a base of $30 billion in 2007.

just wondering...

Jun 17, 2008 05:36     

has anybody done the math on actual wattage output of modern solar cells these days? I know they use to be a joke, and only good for powering a few devices more or less in the event of an emergency, but how good is it now? Can we literally power a house now? Can we run an electric drier during the day? Would the batteries support an all night lan party (complete with deep frier)? I'm all for solar power, but until I can actuially run my life on it then I think they are still playing in the sandbox and isnt really worth the thousands of dollars it takes to install up front. Again, if anyone has the numbers, enlighten the rest of us.

Caeden report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +3

Made in America

Jun 17, 2008 07:09     

While I am not against things made in other countries, I am glad to something still made in America. :)
TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

AMD??

Jun 17, 2008 14:42     

so when are AMD starting their solar business?
Bert report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

made in america?

Jun 17, 2008 15:43     

what is the point of using solar power...it's free power...kind of ...and what's the goal....to use as much as possible.... so if make in india, china, africa can make it 10 times cheaper so we can afford 10 solar screen rather than 1 ...why not? the goal is to save global warming.....use less fuel...
wow report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

just wondering...

Jun 17, 2008 18:48     

No solar can not power any major appliances. They just invented some "crazy" new jell like cover for panels that will increase efficiency by a small percentage but nothing too significant... THat being said, i hear its very useful for smaller appliances and lighting.
i did stay at a holdiay inn express report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2