Intel throws more money at solar technology

Sulfurcell, which makes thin-file, electricity-generating solar modules, is the latest beneficiary of Intel Capital. The company, which is based in Munich, Germany, will use the roughly $38 million its getting from Intel to invest in expanding its production capabilities in Berlin.

Actually, Intel Capital is just one of the investors throwing about $134 million at the company this week. Other cleantech funders involved in this venture round are Climate Change Capital Private Equity, AIG, Demeter Partners, Zouk Ventures and BankInvest.

The technology that Sulfurcell develops uses thin film made out of copper-indium-sulfide-selenide chemicals. No idea.

Representatives for Intel Capital say the company attracted their attention because its technology offers some of the "highest conversion efficiencies of all thin-film materials." The products could also be used for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) applications, where the modules are actually embedded into building roofs and walls.

What, no enormous solar panels compromising the aesthetic of our roof line? Hmm, now THAT sounds like a solar retrofit that my home design snob husband would go for.