Concentrating solar power, which has been around for decades, is a promising technique for making solar electricity more cost effective. Recently it has been the subject of renewed research thanks companies such as Israeli start up Pythagoras Solar. The concept is simply to focus light to boost electricity output, through a wide range of methods - from utility-scale solar thermal projects to specialized photovoltaic solar panels.
Israeli-based cleantech startup Pythagoras Solar develops solar photovoltaics – an innovative way of changing some of the “basic principles” of PV technology to build highly durable, cost effective solar energy products.
Founded in 2006 by Gonen Fink, from Check Point Software and renowned scientist Itay Baruchi, the company works from its R&D center in Ramat Hasharon, Israel and a U.S. office in San Mateo, California.
Pythagoras Solar develops a unique method of solar energy by combining software models, optic design, semiconductor processes, materials science and mass manufacturing techniques.
Although the company has not revealed what sort of solar technology it is producing, it claims it has been concentrating solar power systems using optics lenses and mirrors to maximize the output of solar cells. These concentrating photovoltaic arrays are being tested for solar power plants in Israel’s deserts.
Solar, being one of the hottest areas of clean-tech has been luring entrepreneurs with promises to reduce sun-derived electricity costs through more efficient solar cells and optimized manufacturing processes. Being the flavor of the month, Pythagoras Solar secured $10 million funding earlier this year from leading venture capitalists Pitango Venture Capital and Evergreen Venture Partners, a round that was led by Israel Cleantech Ventures.
