Energy America’s Centauri Division and NASA Collaborate to Commercialize Advanced Selenium Interlayer Solar Technology

From Space to Grid: Centauri Converts NASA Innovation into Earth-Ready Solar Modules

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, UNITED STATES, July 28, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Energy America, through its research and development division Centauri, announces a strategic collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to bring to market an advanced selenium interlayer solar bonding technology that promises to redefine the global standard for high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) modules.

This initiative follows the execution of a formal technology licensing agreement with NASA’s Glenn Research Center, granting Centauri the rights to commercialize a breakthrough solar innovation originally developed for space missions. Designed to overcome the limitations of traditional solar architecture, the selenium interlayer enables high-efficiency III–V solar cells to be bonded with silicon substrates, offering unprecedented performance, durability, and design flexibility for both terrestrial and aerospace energy systems.

🔬 Technology Overview: Next-Generation Photovoltaics
At the core of this innovation is a selenium-based interlayer bonding process that enables solar manufacturers to integrate dissimilar photovoltaic materials—such as gallium arsenide and silicon—without the need for lattice matching or complex buffer layers. The result is a new class of tandem solar cells that are lightweight, resilient, and capable of delivering conversion efficiencies well above current industry norms.

Key Technological Advantages:
Lattice-Free Integration: Bonds top-performing III–V cells with standard silicon to produce tandem structures.

Enhanced Efficiency: Enables potential conversion efficiencies of 30–40%+ in mass production environments.

Thermal and Optical Optimization: Operates at lower thermal budgets while maximizing photon transfer.

Radiation-Resistant: Performs under high-radiation conditions—ideal for harsh climates and extraterrestrial use.

Modular and Scalable: Compatible with existing solar manufacturing lines and large-format module design.

⚙️ Strategic Collaboration and Development Framework
This partnership positions Energy America as one of the first vertically integrated solar companies in the United States to transition a NASA-originated photovoltaic innovation into scalable, real-world energy solutions. The collaboration includes:

NASA Glenn Research Center: Originator and licensor of the selenium interlayer bonding innovation.

Centauri: Lead developer responsible for adaptation, engineering validation, and pilot-scale manufacturing.

Energy America: Commercial manufacturer focused on scaling deployment across residential, commercial, and utility markets.

🌍 Applications Across Energy Markets
The selenium interlayer solar cell architecture is expected to revolutionize product offerings across multiple sectors:

Sector Impact
Utility-Scale Solar Lower LCOE through enhanced yield and advanced module design
Commercial & Industrial Rooftops Higher output per square meter; ideal for net-zero and smart buildings
Aerospace & Defense Lightweight, rugged modules for orbital, tactical, and deep-space missions
Transportation & EV Integration Seamless panel integration for autonomous, hybrid, and electric platforms
Smart Infrastructure Adaptable modules for grid-tied and remote smart grid applications

Energy America and Centauri will begin pilot deployments with select federal, industrial, and infrastructure partners in Q4 2025, followed by international commercial rollout in 2026.

📅 Commercial Rollout Timeline
Centauri has completed early-stage lab testing and component-level prototyping of the selenium bonding process. The next development stages include:

Q3 2025 – Full-format module assembly and third-party performance validation

Q4 2025 – Early-stage commercial pilots in the U.S. and allied markets

Q1 2026 – Manufacturing line integration and certifications (IEC/UL)

Mid 2026 – Volume production with modules available across all market tiers

💬 Executive Commentary
“This collaboration with NASA brings an entirely new class of solar modules to life,” said Jack Stone, CEO of Energy America. “It’s a defining moment not only for our company, but for the global solar industry. Through Centauri, we are transforming the way the world captures and distributes energy—starting with technology designed for space, and scaling it for Earth.”

🧬 About Centauri
Centauri is the advanced research division of Energy America, focused on disruptive clean energy technologies derived from aerospace, defense, and deep-science innovation. Its work spans solar cell development, battery energy storage systems, advanced thermal coatings, and dual-use power electronics.

⚡ About Energy America
Energy America is a U.S.-based solar module manufacturer and integrated energy solutions provider serving the residential, commercial, industrial, and utility sectors. With more than 5 GW of annual production capacity across three domestic facilities, the company delivers American-made, high-performance solar and energy storage solutions across North America, Africa, the Middle East, and the South Pacific.

To learn more, visit www.ea-global.us

Jennifer Collins (Corporate Relations)
ENERGY AMERICA LLC
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