W.S. Sampath, a mechanical engineering professor at Colorado State University was recognized last week for his cutting edge solar research.

The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association honored Sampath for his work in commercializing solar. The association issued awards for researchers and academics working in a number of cleantech fields.

Sampath has numerous patents in his name and has taken several technologies from the research phases to the market, said Chris Shapard, executive director of the association.

That’s why he was selected for the honor.

“Our research started in 1991,” Sampath said in a phone interview.

There was nothing going on with solar at that time, but it interested Sampath. He began working with thin-film solar technology and found ways to adhere it to regular window glass and achieve relatively high efficiencies. In 2007, he helped to create AVA Solar, which he said later became Abound Solar.

AVA opened a 200-megawatt factory in 2007 with about 500 employees, according to Colorado State University information.

Sampath’s aim was to produce solar at a cost of less than $1 per watt that would ultimately cost consumers less than $2 per watt installed.

Abound is one of Colorado’s top solar companies and has been recognized multiple times by the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association for its work in advancing solar technology as well as commercialization and developing the state’s green economy.

Most of Sampath’s research and patents have focused on tools and methods for manufacturing and transporting solar technology more efficiently, he said.

He developed a continuous, automated manufacturing process for solar panels using glass coating with cadmium telluride thin film, according to university information. His research was part of CSU’s efforts to create an academic Clean Energy Supercluster to rapidly move technological advancements to the commercial market, according university press.

Sampath is the first academic to receive this recognition from the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association.

The organization only came into existence three yeas ago, Shapard said, and this is the first year that its awarding honors to businesses, universities and academics.

“A lot of growth in Colorado’s cleantech industry is based on reasoned innovation,” Shapard said. “And the work coming out our universities is a big factor in that.”

Image courtesy of Abound Solar.