TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - May 25, 2016) - A coating created by Phantin Inc. that improves the performance of solar panels has been named an Invention of the Year from the University of Toronto. The distinction was bestowed on 4 inventions from the fields of material science, engineering, IT, and health science that are making an impact around the world.
The accumulation of dust and dirt on solar panels can result in reduced power output of solar farms and subsequently higher reliance on traditional power sources. Phantin's anti-dust and self-cleaning coatings have been tested on over 1000 m2 solar panels in both Canada and China and resulted in higher energy output with lower maintenance costs.
"This award will encourage us to carry our market plan further and to impact the solar market in Phantin's way, with less input and more output," said Dr. Cheng Lu, co-founder and CTO of Phantin. "Our technology will benefit the solar market in Canada and around the world."
Since the company's founding in 2013, Phantin Inc. has been incubated at the University of Toronto's Impact Centre. "Without the support from Impact Centre, Phantin would not be successful," says Dr. Lu.
"Phantin Inc. is an excellent example of knowledge transfer from the university to society," said Prof. Cynthia Goh, director of the Impact Centre and co-creator of the coating technology. "Dr. Lu was able to connect his expertise in coatings with the needs of the solar industry to create a new and useful product. We are thrilled the University of Toronto is recognizing his work and are excited to see Phantin grow."
About Phantin Inc.
Founded by researchers at the University of Toronto, Phantin is working to create a clean, clear and safe world. The company has created multi-functional novel coatings that have been tested in the lighting, photovoltaic and auto industries.
About the Impact Centre
The Impact Centre is a research institute at the University of Toronto that strives to bring science to society through industry projects and partnerships, entrepreneurial companies, and unique training programs. We connect exceptional research, talent, innovative companies, and government to create products and services both for existing industry partners and as the basis for startups.
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Contact Information:
Scott McAuley
Communications Coordinator
Impact Centre
smcauley@imc.utoronto.ca
