Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed Tandem PV, an innovative solar energy startup, to the organization today.

The Silicon Valley startup is leading the charge to develop and commercialize a more powerful and affordable solar panel using perovskite technology, which many have described as the future of solar energy.

“Adding new technologies and capabilities that enhance California’s reliable and affordable energy objectives is a key component to meeting the needs of the future,” said CMTA’s CEO & President Lance Hastings. “CMTA is excited to welcome Tandem PV to the organization and help them grow their manufacturing facility in California.”

Perovskite is a synthetic crystalline material that is sensitive to wavelengths of light that conventional solar panels do not efficiently convert to electricity. Tandem PV’s co-founder Colin Bailie developed the first perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell at Stanford University in 2013. The company’s perovskite-based solar panels are 25% more efficient than the average silicon solar panel. More powerful and affordable solar energy will help the world expeditiously attain its renewable energy goals.

“We are excited to join CMTA, which has a singular focus on helping California manufacturers like Tandem PV,” said Tandem PV CEO Scott Wharton. “It has great relationships with state and local government officials and expertise about how to access myriad government sources that can support our work as a small manufacturer and help us thrive as a climate tech leader in the state.”

Tandem PV secured an additional $6 million at the beginning of 2024 to further its R&D with plans for its first manufacturing facility. It has received support from the U.S. Dept. of Energy and the California Energy Commission.

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About CMTA

The California Manufacturers & Technology Association has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit CMTA’s website.

About Tandem PV

Tandem PV, based in Silicon Valley and founded in 2016, is driving the transition to a net-zero economy by developing state-of-the-art perovskite-based solar panels. The company is committed to the production of highly efficient and durable solar technology suited for broad-scale deployment. Its co-founder and CTO, Colin Bailie, developed the first perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell at Stanford University and launched the company through Cyclotron Road, the U.S. Dept. of Energy startup accelerator supporting innovations with potential for global commercial impact. Tandem PV has raised a total of $28 million in venture capital and government funds including from the DOE, the National Science Foundation, and the California Energy Commission. For more information, visit Tandem PV’s website.