BINGHAMTON - After securing $4 million for Binghamton University's new initiative, the Center for Autonomous Solar Power (CASP), U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) Wednesday visited the innovative technology complex to see firsthand the new technology that will help establish the center as a leading energy research lab.

The CASP will play a critical economic role in the Southern Tier, providing cutting edge technology for defense, aerospace, consumer and industrial markets through solar power designs that will contribute to operational and logistical efficiency. The center will also help bring national recognition to Binghamton University for the quality and innovation of its research and development activities as well as economic expansion to the Southern Tier region.

Schumer and Hinchey officially announced $4 million in federal funds to help the CASP in its solar energy research.

Solar electricity currently accounts for just .04 percent of electricity generation worldwide despite a real need for alternative energy sources. While the solar energy sector is a growing industry with the potential to create thousands of new, high-tech, high-paying jobs, current solar power systems are mostly based on expensive silicon solar cells that have high installation and energy storage costs. 

Binghamton University’s Innovative Technology Complex launched the CASP in an effort to increase the nation’s solar power resources, making them less costly and more accessible. The CASP will research new solar cells that capture more solar radiation and produce higher power using state-of-the-art technology that combines electricity generation and storage into one integrated system. The CASP’s mission is to optimize solar conversion efficiency, energy yield, storage capability, solar module stability and achieve significant solar power system cost reduction.