Solar Maverick Podcast SMP 254: Quantum Dots Meet Solar: Inside UbiQD’s Partnership with First Solar
In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Dr. Hunter McDaniel, CEO of UbiQD, a quantum materials company redefining how light interacts with solar technology.
Hunter breaks down quantum dots and explains how this nanotechnology can dramatically improve solar performance by optimizing the light spectrum. The conversation dives deep into UbiQD’s landmark supply agreement with First Solar, including how quantum dots can significantly boost bifacial solar efficiency, especially for thin-film modules.
The episode also explores broader applications of quantum dots from building-integrated photovoltaics, solar windows, to agriculture and offers hard earned advice for clean-tech and deep-tech entrepreneurs navigating long commercialization cycles.
Key Topics Covered
- What quantum dots are and why they matter for solar
- How nanotechnology enables light optimization and higher PV efficiency
- Inside UbiQD’s strategic partnership with First Solar
- Improving bifacial performance in thin-film solar modules
- Why materials innovation gives U.S. solar a competitive edge
- Solar windows, BIPV, and the future of net-zero buildings
- Lessons from building a deep-tech energy startup over 10+ years
- Why entrepreneurs should focus on solving pain points, not just technology
Notable Takeaways
- Quantum dots allow precise tuning of light to match a solar cell’s most efficient spectrum
- Small efficiency gains in solar can translate into massive real-world impact at scale
- Bifacial solar performance represents one of the biggest remaining efficiency frontiers
- Building-integrated solar may be essential for dense, urban, high-rise environments
- Deep-tech founders must stay customer-focused and resilient through long timelines
Biographies
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.
Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.
As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.
Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.
Dr. Hunter McDaniel
Dr. Hunter McDaniel is the CEO and Co-Founder of UbiQD, a quantum dot materials company focused on transforming energy, agriculture, and advanced materials through nanotechnology. He holds a PhD in Materials Science and previously conducted research at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Under his leadership, UbiQD has partnered with industry leaders like First Solar and continues to scale next-generation quantum dot manufacturing.
Stay Connected:
Benoy Thanjan
Email: info@reneuenergy.com
LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan
Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com
Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/
Dr. Hunter McDaniel
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-mcdaniel-4563a735/
UbiQD: https://www.ubiqd.com
UbiGro (Agriculture): https://www.ubigro.com
TED Talk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ4whsRZoN4
Press Release
UbiQD and First Solar Establish Long-Term Quantum Dot Supply Agreement
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Reneu Energy
Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets.
Email us at info@reneuenergy.com to learn more.