Next Generation Solar

Enabling True Mobility and Sustainable Power Generation

Future of Solar

Columbus Photovoltaics is a solar energy research company with a mission to change how the world is powered.


The company is developing an ultra-thin add-on layer to silicon solar cells which can increase efficiency by up to 50% — a technological breakthrough. Advanced solar technology will transform global eMobility and energy markets, delivering economic benefits and sustainable, non-polluting energy.

Our Work

Sustainability

Climate, pollution and energy resources issues are intensifying around the world. The need for transformational solar technology for sustainable energy production has never been greater.

Impact Markets

Potential commercial markets include residential and utility-scale solar installations, charging for mobile devices, Internet of Things, electric vehicles, drones, and off-grid and military applications.

E-Mobility

Rapid charging with our powerful solar cell can enhance the impact of nearly every portable electronic device. Efficient, affordable solar charging is the key to true mobility – Pull the Plug!

Idea Factory

The company plans to license technology and inventions to strategic partners in solar and electronic device manufacturing. We aim to be an "idea factory" focused on cutting edge research in solar energy technology.

Access to Clean Energy

Solar energy provides clean electricity to communities which may lack reliable grid access. Solar energy can power refrigerators for food and medicine storage, charge devices and help improve education and sanitation practices.

Climate Action

Did you know that powering your home with solar power instead of fossil fuel sources can save approximately 8,400 lbs of CO2 emissions per year? Expanding renewable energy is an important way to mitigate carbon emissions and fight climate change.

A New Direction in Photovoltaic Technology

Silicon solar cells are approximately 20% efficient - insufficient for charging mobile devices. Higher efficiency multi-layered solar cells are expensive and relegated to niche markets. Columbus Photovoltaics technology enhances silicon solar cells with ultra-thin topping layers, made with low-cost materials. Our technology improves efficiency and reduces space requirements for charging, from small mobile devices to rooftop installations.

About

Technology Summary

Columbus Photovoltaics is developing technology to increase the efficiency of solar panels using a new system for power generation combined with low-cost semiconductor materials. By layering its proprietary ultra-thin solar cell on top of existing silicon solar panels, more of the solar spectrum can be absorbed and turned into electricity – including visible light – without concentrating lenses. A highly efficient solar cell provides more power output with a smaller size footprint. This is critical to support the rapid charging needs of mobile devices, electric vehicles, Internet of Things applications, military, and home and commercial solar installations.


Intellectual Property

The company has obtained worldwide patent protection for its core technology. Patent applications for new discoveries continue to be filed globally to strengthen and broaden the company’s patent portfolio. The company intends to license its intellectual property to strategic industry partners.


Research & Development

Columbus Photovoltaics is developing a prototype of its novel solar cells for commercial applications. Research is conducted at independent facilities and through sponsored research programs with major universities. Current and past partners include Missouri University of Science & Technology, Purdue University, Georgia Institute of Technology & University of North Carolina, Charlotte.


Columbus Photovoltaics was founded in 2011. The company is based in New York City, with on-site research offices at partner university laboratories.

Team

Corey Lerner, MD

Corey Lerner, MD

President and Founder

    Developed theoretical framework for company's intellectual property, including new power generation and collection systems for solar cells. Amherst College, B.A., summa cum laude, Harvard Medical School, M.D.

    April Bar Siman Tov

    April Bar Siman Tov

    Vice President

      Manage strategic initiatives, operations and investor relations. Former fund analyst with experience in entrepreneurship, finance, energy technology and policy. M.B.A. from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

      Jim Weldon

      Jim Weldon

      Commercialization Specialist

        Former CEO & co-founder, Solar Junction, COO at Translucent, Senior Executive at Veeco. Thirty years of commercialization experience in bringing research and development innovation to market.

        Harald Braun

        Harald Braun

        Mobile Applications

          Former President/CEO of Siemens Networks LLC USA; Senior Executive for Nokia Siemens Networks North America; Founder of SkyMax Network, which deploys mobile broadband services in developing nations.

          Robert P. Taylor

          Robert P. Taylor

          Intellectual Property Strategist

            Former Venture Advisor at New Enterprise Associates (NEA), former Senior Counsel at Arnold & Porter. Extensive patent litigation experience in high technology applications.

            Ron Ronen

            Ron Ronen

            Strategic Partnerships

              Entrepreneur with 35 years of business partnerships in Hong Kong, China and Korea in telecom, energy production & green technologies, and direct-to-consumer retail. MBA and BS in Engineering from San Jose State University.

              Douglas Abbey

              Douglas Abbey

              Chairman of Management Advisory Board

                Chairman, Swift Real Estate Partners. Co-founder AMB Property Group (now Prologis NYSE: PLD). Lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Leader in a number of nonprofit organizations related to affordable housing and land use issues.

                Stephen Shalen

                Stephen Shalen

                Management Advisory Board Member

                  Senior Counsel (Retired Partner), Cleary Gottleib Steen & Hamilton, LLP. Expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and securities law.

                  Contact

                  Contact Info

                  +1-347-450-0430
                  al+info [at] columbuspv.com
                  Columbus Photovoltaics LLC

                  Corporate Headquarters
                  95-22 63rd Road, Suite 516
                  Rego Park, NY 11374