WattByWatt, is a Canadian innovation success story that grew from university research on perovskite technology.
Pervoskite is one of the most common crystal structures found throughout the world. It’s also relatively easy to mine – but that brings with it another set of ethical and moral issues that would need its own article.
Instead, WattByWatt chemically synthesizes perovskite in their Quebec facility reproducing the inherent semiconductor property and ensuring a standardized product without any of the pitfalls of mining.
WattByWatt’s patented manufacturing process means the PEROVTON™ photovoltaic modules can be manufactured without the expense of a clean room. That global first cut manufacturing facility and production costs by up to 50 per cent.
Thanks to its photovoltaic properties, perovskite can be used to harvest microwatts to power electronic products as well as megawatts for greater energy production.
WattByWatt’s goal is to make it so that no one will ever have to plug in another device to recharge it. Instead, anyone will be able to recharge any device as long as there is a source of light.
WattByWatt’s perovskite inks can be thin film printed to manufacture sustainable, high efficiency photovoltaic cells and modules. These cells and modules will charge a cell phone using harvested ambient light – either natural coming through the window or artificial from a light fixture inside the room. The result is circular renewable energy.
Cell phones, remote controls, smoke detectors, security cameras, retail tags and WiFi networks could all be charged with light energy already existing in homes, offices and industrial buildings.
Ultimately, there would be very little need for batteries which would exponentially reduce the billions of batteries going to landfills every year.
With an estimated 6.6 billion smartphone users around the world switching to photovoltaic modules would use less than two kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. That alone would lower energy demands from the global grid.
The long-term stability of perovskite is proving challenging mainly due to the negative impacts of our climate. So, WattByWatt is combining perovskite with silicon to extend the life of the panels.
Silicon solar panels have been around for over 40 years and have an average lifespan of about 25 years.
Silicon needs direct infrared sunlight for maximum performance. Perovskite uses visible light and can continue harvesting energy even under cloudy conditions. Using these two materials improves the efficiency of standard silicon solar panels by 20 per cent.
WattByWatt’s team navigates between electronic devices and energy production installations producing efficient, reliable power with a minimal ecological footprint.
The SmartFlower solar panel, distributed by WattByWatt follows the sun from sunrise to sunset producing and storing renewable energy in its integrated battery storage system.
It has been suggested that the use of SmartFlowers in agrivoltaic farming could be an energy game changer.
Agrivoltaic farming is when crops are grown underneath solar panels. Scientific studies have shown that some crops actually thrive under solar panels. It’s a combination of creating micro climates in tandem with creating shade that protects plants from intense sun and improves the soil’s water retention.
With agrivoltaic farming, the sun’s energy actually does double duty — growing crops while simultaneously generating solar energy that can be used to power the farm and surrounding community.
The Laval-based tech company employed Mitacs post-secondary students from the Institut National de la Recherche Scienfifique (INRS) and the University of Sherbrooke. These paid internships gave students the chance to work on leading-edge projects while improving their transferable skills and earning money to support themselves.
Riad Nechache, CEO of WattByWatt says WhiteHaven played a pivotal role in the company’s development by investing $4 million. The independent investment group created by Tommy Baltzis, Chief Executive Officer, provides unique and boutique opportunities to invest in up-and-coming businesses.
“For startups, securing this level of funding and gaining investor confidence can be incredibly challenging. More commonly, angel investors provide smaller amounts of capital and wait for scientific progress before deciding on further involvement,” Nechache told rabble.ca.
WhiteHaven partnered with WattByWatt to develop a business model centred around advancing their scientific research. That enabled the renewable energy company to prepare for small-scale manufacturing while simultaneously establishing a production line.
“This unique approach enabled us not only to validate our science in a lab setting, but also to assess our manufacturing capabilities for seamless technology transfers with future partners,” shared Nechache.
Whitehaven’s innovation lies in offering alternative investments within registered plans through a regulated environment.
This approach gives all Canadians the opportunity to invest in up-and-coming businesses, traditionally reserved for high net-worth investors, for minimal investment – starting as low as $500 – while ensuring transparency.
“We seek to challenge the status quo, and democratizing alternative investments for everyone is one way of doing it – opportunities should be available to everyone in these challenging times,” Baltzis said.
“Our investment opportunities are comprised of established, growth-oriented businesses as well as startups,” said Baltzis, explaining that his business is rooted in extensive research, the pursuit of investment insight, understanding risk management and continuous innovation on behalf of clients. “We help companies grow their core business, launch new initiatives, make key acquisitions and even upgrade technologies to support their long-term strategy and vision.”
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