UbiQD, a pioneering force in quantum dot (QD) nanotechnology based in Los Alamos, has announced a significant long-term supply agreement with First Solar, Inc. This exclusive partnership marks a pivotal moment for the application of quantum dot technology in the solar energy sector. Under this multi-year agreement, UbiQD will supply its proprietary fluorescent QD technology to enhance First Solar’s thin-film bifacial photovoltaic (PV) panels, promising to revolutionize solar energy efficiency and performance. The collaboration is poised to facilitate the early adoption of QD technology into solar modules and is expected to significantly boost UbiQD’s production capabilities. This synergy between two innovative companies comes at a crucial time as the United States aims to expand its power generation capacity amidst growing demands from data centers and AI technologies.
Transforming Solar Energy with Quantum Dots
The partnership between UbiQD and First Solar represents an exciting development in the renewable energy landscape. Quantum dots are nanometer-scale semiconductor particles that exhibit unique optical properties, allowing them to convert light more efficiently than traditional materials. When integrated into solar panel encapsulation, QDs can dramatically increase the bifacial quantum efficiency of light conversion for specific wavelengths or colors. This enhancement is critical for solar manufacturers striving to improve performance while reducing costs.
Strategic Collaboration and Joint Development
This supply agreement builds on a previous joint development collaboration between UbiQD and First Solar that was announced in 2023. The results from this initial partnership have laid the groundwork for expanding their research and development initiatives focused on integrating quantum dot technology into mainstream solar products.
According to Dr. Hunter McDaniel, founder and CEO of UbiQD, this agreement signifies a landmark achievement for the quantum dot industry outside of display applications: “This is a turning point for the quantum dot industry with this first high-volume QD supply agreement outside of display.” He emphasized how this partnership illustrates American innovation and manufacturing’s potential to achieve breakthroughs in efficiency at a time when such advancements are crucial.
The Impact on Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules
The implementation of quantum dots in bifacial photovoltaic modules could yield substantial gains in energy yield at utility-scale installations. Markus Gloeckler, Chief Technology Officer at First Solar, expressed excitement about how QD technology could contribute significantly to enhancing module performance: “At utility scale, even incremental gains in bifaciality translate into significant real-world impact on energy yield.”
Production Capacity Expansion Plans
This growth momentum follows UbiQD’s recent $20 million Series B fundraising round concluded in April 2025. With these funds, UbiQD aims to establish one of the world’s highest-volume quantum dot manufacturing facilities within New Mexico over the coming year. This facility not only positions UbiQD as a leading player in global quantum technology but also strengthens domestic production capacity—a vital aspect as demand for advanced nanomaterials escalates.
About UbiQD: A Leader in Quantum Dot Technology
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Los Alamos, New Mexico, UbiQD (pronounced ‘ubiquity’) specializes in manufacturing innovative quantum dots that serve various industries including agriculture, clean energy, and security applications. Their flagship product line includes UbiGro®, which utilizes fluorescence technology to optimize greenhouse spectra for enhanced crop growth.
UbiQD’s core technology originates from groundbreaking research conducted at prestigious institutions such as Los Alamos National Laboratory and MIT. As they continue their mission to harness color and light’s power through their advanced materials science capabilities, their strategic partnerships aim to push boundaries further than ever before.
A Bright Future Ahead
The alliance between UbiQD and First Solar heralds an exciting future where advanced nanotechnology plays an integral role in sustainable energy solutions. As both companies work collaboratively towards enhancing solar panel efficiency using cutting-edge innovations like quantum dots, they are setting new standards within the renewable energy sector that could lead not only to improved product offerings but also contribute significantly towards achieving cleaner energy goals nationally.
This long-term agreement exemplifies how strategic partnerships founded on shared values—innovation excellence combined with market needs—can pave pathways toward impactful changes across sectors reliant on sustainable practices moving forward.