AN Oxford company has been given almost £700,000 to help its mission to one day turn skyscrapers into giant solar power generators.

The cash was part of a £1.7m pot handed to four businesses working on green technology products by the Government.

Oxford PV – which is working on technology to use glass as solar panels – received £668,976.

CCm Research was awarded £296,258, Sharp Laboratories £248,789 and Oxsensis Limited £504,264 from the Energy Entrepreneurs’ Fund, which is run by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

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Oxford PV chief executive Kevin Arthur said the cash would allow the Begbroke-based firm to hire more scientists and engineers.

He said: “It will also enable us to invest in advanced capital equipment in the UK and compete with global developers.”

The firm is seeking to achieve a rate of 20 per cent conversion of energy from the sun’s rays.

The DECC funding was welcomed by Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood, who suggested the success could inspire more green energy businesses.

She said: “It’s great news that these innovative local green technology businesses are getting an injection of cash from this prestigious fund.

“I hope their success will encourage other businesses in our world-leading low-carbon cluster to apply.

“It is absolutely right for the Government to support small and medium-sized businesses like these, as they develop innovative solutions to the energy challenges we face.”


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