Konarka And SkyShades Announce Development Agreement To Integrate Organic Photovoltaic Material Into Tension Fabric Material

Konarka Technologies, Inc. and SKYShades have entered into a development agreement per a confidential memorandum of understanding for the purpose of investigating the creation of photovoltaic electrical power for SKYShade products.

“Konarka’s photovoltaic materials are lightweight, flexible and more versatile than traditional solar materials so Konarka is the ideal choice for us to work with to investigate the possibilities of integrating solar technology into our shades,” commented Barry Maranta, president and CEO at SKYShades. “With this technology development agreement, SKYShades is committed to advancing our products and being the world’s largest supplier of tension fabric structures.”

Konarka has agreed to design custom Power Plastic prototypes and design layout suggestions for delivery in 2008. SKYShades will use the prototypes to determine arrangement and fastening methods and build prototype designs for the purposes of further investigation and development by both companies.

“We are delighted to be working with SKYShades to develop prototypes for investigating the potential of generating electricity within the tension membrane fabric canopy market,” commented Rick Hess, president and CEO at Konarka. “Entering development in this market space furthers Konarka’s commitment to delivering our photovoltaic technology commercially for numerous applications.”