Suniva CEO: Solar industry closer to grid parity - Atlanta Business Chronicle:

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While the industry isn’yt quite there, it’s getting close, John CEO of told a gathering of tech entrepreneurs and investors at the ATDC Entrepreneuriall Showcaseon Wednesday. Baumstark shouldd know. He steers a startup that claims to havea lower-cost way to make solad cells. Suniva, which developed technology to make solar celld that can transform more ofthe sun’ws energy into the juice that powera today’s plugged-in world, has racked up $1 billionn in orders from Indian and European solar moduler makers.
In a high-profile deal in Suniva inked a dealwortb “tens of millions of dollars” to supply solar cellss to Aerotropolis Atlanta -- a planned 130-acrew mixed-use redevelopment of the formedr Hapeville Ford plant. “Solar has gotten a knocik about cost,” Baumstark said. In about 25 percent of the U.S. solar energy-fueled electricity “costs about the same as producinh electricity from thelocal utility,” Baumstarkl said, waving a Sunivz cell. “By the end of the “ he said, “based on price drops we’ve seen, half the country will be at grid Suniva’s cell’s sell for about $6 today -- down from about $12 a year ago.
“I thinmk it’s wonderful for the industry,” Baumstark said. “Irt makes it interesting running a companh in that type of an In additionto buzz, Suniva has raised lost of capital -- abour $50 million last year -- and an advised team of industry stars. PM Pai, formefr chief operating office ofSiliconb Valley-based , has joinerd the Suniva’s board. Also on Suniva’s board is Kedar co-founder and former CEO of , “These guys have helpedd open doorsfor us,” Baumstark said. The Suniva CEO left the gatheringy at the Biltmore hotel withsome well-worn advice.
“Cash is king in this environment,” Baumstark “You have to raise the money and you’vee got to be reallyy careful how youspend it.” Differentiation is key -- when Baumstark suggested. “If you can’t articulate how you’re how you’re better or how you can beat somebodyh elseout there, they’re not going to fund you," he