Simon Bransfield-Garth

Cambridge solar pioneer Eight19 has launched a £5 million ‘series B’ funding round to accelerate its product development and market rollout.

The money will be used to further develop its low-cost printed plastic solar film and speed up the deployment of its IndiGo pay-as-you-go solar power products, which are attracting strong customer demand in emerging markets.

Eight19, based at the Science Park, received £4.5 million funding in 2010 from the Carbon Trust and Rhodia. The new round is expected to be taken up by a combination of existing and new investors.

“Eight19 is making great strides in both technology development and rollout,” said chief executive Simon Bransfield-Garth.

“This round of funding, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012, will underpin the next stage in the company’s journey to develop its leading technology base for low-cost printed plastic solar cells, and to expand the deployment of off-grid solar power in emerging markets so that many more people can benefit from this revolutionary solar technology.

“The IndiGo ‘energy escalator’ provides clean, renewable energy in a uniquely affordable way, allowing users to grow their energy supply over time.

“It will transform the lives of those living off-grid so that communities will be able to dispose of their kerosene lamps and replace them with electric lights.”