Ubiquitous Energy Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2011 by MIT and Michigan State University scientists and engineers, Ubiquitous Energy is a Silicon Valley-based company specializing in transparent photovoltaic technology. Their mission is to seamlessly integrate solar power into everyday products and surfaces without compromising aesthetics, aiming to reduce humanity's carbon footprint. The company's flagship product, UE Power™, is a transparent solar coating that converts light into electricity while maintaining the appearance of traditional windows.

Key Strategic Focus

Ubiquitous Energy focuses on developing and commercializing transparent solar technologies for architectural glass applications. Their core objective is to transform windows into energy-generating surfaces, thereby enhancing building energy efficiency and contributing to global sustainability efforts. The company targets both residential and commercial markets, offering solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing structures without altering their visual appeal.

Financials and Funding

As of January 2022, Ubiquitous Energy has raised a total of $70 million in funding. This includes a $30 million Series B funding round led by investors such as Andersen Corporation, ENEOS, Safar Partners, Hostplus, Red Cedar Ventures, and Riverhorse Investments. The capital is intended to support research and development, manufacturing, and product deployment efforts.

Pipeline Development

The company has installed prototypes of its UE Power™ transparent solar windows in various locations, including commercial office buildings in Colorado and facilities in Japan. These installations serve as pilot projects to demonstrate the technology's viability and effectiveness. Ubiquitous Energy is in the process of selecting a site for its first high-volume manufacturing line in the U.S., aiming to bring its transparent solar technology to the window industry on a larger scale.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Ubiquitous Energy's proprietary UE Power™ technology is a transparent photovoltaic glass coating that converts light into electricity while maintaining visible transparency. The coating selectively absorbs and converts non-visible ultraviolet and infrared light into electricity, allowing visible light to pass through. This innovation enables windows to generate renewable energy without compromising aesthetics. The company has also partnered with Citrine Informatics to utilize artificial intelligence in accelerating the discovery and deployment of new transparent solar materials.

Leadership Team

Susan Stone, Chief Executive Officer

Miles Barr, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer

Susan Stone leads the company's strategic direction and operations, while Miles Barr oversees technological development and innovation. Under their leadership, Ubiquitous Energy has achieved significant milestones in transparent solar technology development and commercialization.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) market is experiencing growth due to increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions. Transparent solar technologies are gaining traction as they offer the dual benefits of energy generation and aesthetic integration into building designs.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the transparent solar technology space include companies like Onyx Solar and Heliatek. Onyx Solar specializes in photovoltaic glass for buildings, offering solutions that integrate solar energy generation with architectural design. Heliatek focuses on organic solar films that can be applied to various surfaces, including glass facades. Both companies emphasize the combination of energy efficiency and design flexibility in their products.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Ubiquitous Energy has established several strategic partnerships to advance its technology and market reach:

Andersen Corporation: A collaboration to develop energy-generating windows and doors for residential and light commercial buildings.

ENEOS Holdings: An $8 million equity investment to support Ubiquitous Energy's go-to-market strategy and production efforts.

Antamex Industries: A partnership to bring transparent solar glazing to the commercial glazing market in North America.

Citrine Informatics: A collaboration to utilize artificial intelligence for accelerating the discovery and deployment of new transparent solar materials.

Operational Insights

Ubiquitous Energy's transparent solar technology offers a unique value proposition by enabling energy generation without compromising the aesthetics of windows. This differentiates the company from competitors whose products may alter the appearance of building facades. The company's focus on seamless integration and maintaining visual transparency positions it favorably in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Ubiquitous Energy aims to scale its manufacturing capabilities and expand its market presence by establishing a high-volume production facility in the U.S. The company plans to commercialize its transparent solar windows and doors, targeting both residential and commercial markets. By leveraging strategic partnerships and continued innovation, Ubiquitous Energy is well-positioned to contribute significantly to global sustainability efforts and the reduction of building-related carbon emissions.