Arizona-based First Solar has signed a multi-year agreement with UbiQD, a quantum dot nanotechnology developer, to incorporate quantum dots (QD) into its thin film bifacial solar panels. This partnership aims to boost solar efficiency and could be a significant leap forward for the industry. The deal enables UbiQD to scale up its QD production to potentially over 100 metric tons annually, making it the first high-volume QD supply agreement outside of high-end TV displays.
UbiQD’s quantum dot technology, developed from research at Los Alamos National Laboratory and MIT, can increase the bifacial quantum efficiency of light conversion for specific wavelengths and colors by more than double. This can lead to significant energy gains at utility scale, according to First Solar’s CTO, Markus Gloeckler. The commercial rollout of the new technology is set for late 2026.
The partnership comes at a time when the US is facing soaring demand for solar energy from various sectors, including AI, data centers, and manufacturing. UbiQD’s goal is to improve solar performance without increasing costs. The company recently secured $20 million in Series B funding, which will help build a large quantum dot factory in New Mexico.
The agreement between First Solar and UbiQD is seen as a turning point for the quantum dot industry, with potential applications beyond solar energy. The use of quantum dots in solar panels can lead to incremental gains in bifacial performance, resulting in major energy gains at utility scale. As the US solar industry continues to grow, with solar and wind power making up 96% of new power generating capacity in the first third of 2025, innovations like this partnership are crucial for increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
With the 30% federal solar tax credit ending this year, the demand for solar energy is expected to remain high. As the industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between First Solar and UbiQD will play a significant role in driving innovation and growth. The potential for quantum dot technology to contribute to more efficient solar panels is substantial, and this agreement is an important step forward for the industry.