Waterbury Center, VT (November 18, 2024) – In late October, Verde Technologies hosted an open house event to mark the grand opening of its new research lab and pilot production facility in Waterbury Center, Vermont. The event was attended by local partners, investors, and supporters, such as U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), who congratulated the company on its significant achievements and contributions to the climate tech sector.
“Verde Technologies is doing exactly what Vermont and our country need more of—creating jobs and helping to solve the climate crisis through clean energy innovation,” Senator Welch said. “Innovations to improve upon our current clean energy technologies will be crucial as we continue our work on our national clean energy transition. I look forward to supporting Vermont-grown companies in Washington and watching Green Mountain State businesses revolutionize this industry and show the world what’s possible.”
The new research lab and pilot production facility, located in the former Suss Microtec building, will be the site of Verde’s first pilot manufacturing line which will facilitate larger-scale production of thin-film solar cells. This expansion is crucial for the company’s upcoming commercial pilot projects with local and national partners to deploy their thin-film technology in the field with early customers.
“I left Vermont after high school to pursue an education to help address the looming climate crisis. I cannot believe I am fortunate enough to return to the area and lead a terrific team of scientists who all share the same goals,” said President and CTO, Richards (Chad) Miller. “Scaling up from the small area lab at UVM and bringing it to prototyping sizes in the new facility is an exciting step for us. We are on the precipice of doing remarkable things, not just in VT, but in the whole nation.”
Verde Technologies, founded by University of Vermont alums and researchers, has made significant strides in solar technology. Their perovskite solar panels are ten times lighter than traditional silicon panels and feature a peel-and-stick installation method, making them more accessible and affordable. This innovative technology also allows for the reskinning and repowering of older solar fields, increasing their output by repurposing the existing infrastructure.
“As a researcher with over two decades of experience in thin-film semiconductor materials, it has been my dream to see our work advance solar technologies and drive the growth of a hard-tech business here in Vermont,” said Founder and Head of Research Randall Headrick. “Verde Technologies’ new research and development facility is a pivotal step forward, allowing us to scale our innovations and bring thin-film solar closer to commercialization.”
Verde joins other notable tech companies in Washington County, including KORE Power – Battery Storage Solutions, NOMAD Transportable Power, and GPMS International.
Verde Technologies was recently recognized as a grand prize winner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Perovskite Startup Prize, a testament to its innovative work in the climate tech sector.
For more information about Verde Technologies, please visit verde-technologies.com
About Verde Technologies Inc.
Verde Technologies is a U.S.-based company specializing in thin-film, flexible perovskite solar technologies. Founded by University of Vermont alums and researchers, the company is dedicated to developing lightweight, flexible, and affordable solar panels that are transforming the clean energy landscape.
