UbiQD, a leader in quantum dot (QD) nanotechnology, has finalized an exclusive, multi-year agreement to supply its proprietary fluorescent QD technology to First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR). Announced on July 10, 2025, this landmark deal facilitates the integration of UbiQD's advanced materials into First Solar’s thin-film bifacial photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, representing the first high-volume QD supply agreement outside the display industry. This strategic collaboration, which evolved from a joint development effort initiated in 2023, aims to significantly enhance the energy yield and market competitiveness of solar modules, with commercial rollout of QD-integrated panels anticipated in late 2026.

UbiQD’s proprietary quantum dot technology, originally developed through research at Los Alamos National Laboratory and MIT, is engineered to augment the bifacial quantum efficiency of light conversion across specific wavelengths. When seamlessly integrated into the encapsulation layers of solar panels, these quantum dots can substantially improve light capture, particularly on the underside of bifacial modules. This mechanism holds the potential to increase the overall efficiency of the rear side, thereby boosting total energy generation. Notably, UbiQD’s quantum dots utilize a non-toxic composition of copper and indium, offering a sustainable alternative to cadmium-based materials.

The scale of this supply agreement is set to enable UbiQD to ramp up its production capacity to over 100 metric tons per year from its new facility in New Mexico. This projected output notably exceeds the current global demand for quantum dots within the display industry, underscoring the significant market shift this partnership represents. The expansion follows UbiQD’s successful $20 million Series B fundraise in April 2025, which directly supports the establishment of its high-volume manufacturing capabilities. The collaboration between these two U.S.-based companies aligns strategically with broader national initiatives to expand competitive, domestically sourced power generation capacity.

At the utility scale, even marginal gains in bifaciality resulting from quantum dot integration can translate into substantial increases in overall energy yield over the lifespan of a solar project. This initiative positions quantum dots as a transformative technology for solar spectrum optimization, extending their application far beyond traditional uses in consumer electronics displays. The endeavor is expected to drive significant advancements in materials science and efficiency for solar energy generation, providing a crucial competitive edge for manufacturers in the increasingly globalized and cost-sensitive renewable energy market.