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  FAQs
 

1. As they relate to fixed solar solutions, what is the difference between "grid attached" and "off grid?"
"Grid attached" means the solar cell solution is installed where attachment to the electric utility is also present. "Off grid" means installation is remote from any utility connection. Due to today's high-amortized cost for solar energy solutions vs. getting power from electric companies (the electric grid), most solar solutions in the United States have been installed in remote locations without electric company access (off grid). This has impacted growth in the US, and therefore, about 75% of solar solutions are being installed outside of the US where electric costs are either higher or electric connections are not available. To be truly successful, solar solutions must be competitive in energy grid attached solutions. This means comparable cost to the power companies $/kW.

2. What is SolarAmp's product?
The "product" of SolarAmp is the patented technology that is developed and tested for commercialization through partners.

3. Who do you foresee as the target market for SolarAmp's technology?
There are a number of target markets for SolarAmp's technology. First is the ability to be a direct PV module replacement in today's fixed panel solar solutions. This "replacement" is primarily because of significantly lower component and assembly costs. There are also considerable environmental values to molecular solutions.
Second is the ability to integrate the molecular solution into non-traditional fixed solutions such as building materials. Here the advantages include cost, thinness (microns), and clarity of the molecular solution.
Third is the ability to use a flexible vs. fixed substrate. This will allow luggable solutions that should prove very attractive in developing countries and eventually even portable or wearable solutions.

4. What is the PV module?
The photovoltaic or PV module is the part of the solar energy solution that converts sunlight to electricity. Typically, this is the large fixed panels. The remainder of the solar solution is often called the balance of system or BOS.

5. What is the value of a renewable energy source as opposed to nonrenewable?
Nonrenewable is just that, nonrenewable in any reasonable time frame. Therefore, the question is not if, but when we will run out of nonrenewable energy alternatives such as oil, coal and gas. The value to renewable energy sources is that they will not be depleted. For instance, the earth is bombarded daily with sunlight equal to many times the worldwide demand for energy.

6. What impact do you see this solution having on the environment?
Sunlight and the sun's solar energy are totally environmentally friendly. Unlike many of today's PV module solutions, SolarAmp's molecular PV solution is also totally environmentally friendly.

7. Can we expect to see reduction in US dependence on foreign oil with this product?
To the extent that oil-based energy demand from public utilities can be cost effectively replaced by alternative energy solutions such as solar cells; the demand for oil will go down. When compared to today's electric utility costs, SolarAmp believes that its solid-state molecular technology will allow cost effective solar solutions and therefore reduce oil-based electricity generation.

8. How do you see this product being used as a portable solar energy source?
There are very exciting applications for a luggable or portable PV module. In developing countries, there is a significant demand for power in remote locations where "grid" power is not available. In fact, today, some 40% of the world's population does not have access to power.
Solar energy can be the "cell phone" of electricity. Currently, fixed PV panels are expensive; hard to get where they are needed and succeptible to vandalism.
The initial portable target is a luggable solution that is cost-effective, can be easily transported to remote locations and can be rolled up and protected at night. The next step would be fully portable or even wearable PV material.

9. Can the manufacturing, thus the purchasing cost of this module, be kept within an acceptable range?
There are a number of costs associated with a solar solution. Today about 2/3 of the total cost of the solar cell solution is the PV module. SolarAmp is addressing cost by having by far the lowest cost active PV material, a much simpler manufacturing process for fixed panels and eventually the ability to use a flexible alternative to fixed glass panels.

10. How do you see SolarAmp's product impacting the home consumer?
Initially, there was a significant focus on electric companies building fields of mega-panels for solar energy. Today, the focus is individual home and business solutions. Many states and key countries such as Germany and Japan now offer tax incentives for the purchase of the solar solutions and also mandate "reverse metering". Reverse metering is where the electric company must buy solar energy in excess of demand by running the meter in reverse. When cost-effective solar solutions are available, they will yield considerable value to the consumer through reduced electricity and tax incentives.


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