WATERBURY CENTER, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) traveled to Waterbury Center this week to congratulate Verde Technologies on the opening of its new research lab and pilot production facility. While at the facility, he also celebrated Verde’s recognition as a grand prize winner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Perovskite Startup Prize for its innovative work in the climate tech sector. Verde Technologies’ newly expanded facilities will allow the company to build out its pilot lines and start producing larger thin-film solar cells for upcoming pilot projects with local and national partners. 

“Verde Technologies is doing exactly what Vermont and our country need more of—creating jobs and helping to solve the climate crisis through clean energy innovation. I was delighted to join Verde in celebrating the early achievements of its promising work,” said Senator Welch. “Innovations to improve upon our current clean energy technologies will be crucial as we continue our work on our national clean energy transition. I look forward to supporting Vermont-grown companies in Washington and watching Green Mountain State businesses revolutionize this industry and show the world what’s possible.” 

View photos from the event below:

Founded in Burlington by University of Vermont alums and researchers, Verde Technologies manufactures thin, lightweight and flexible solar panels made of perovskites. These American-made and manufactured panels are ten times lighter than traditional silicon solar panels and use a peel-and-stick installation method making them much more accessible and affordable. Verde’s technology will allow them to repower older solar fields to increase their output and utilize existing infrastructure. 

###