EPIR Technologies, Inc. is a fast growing high-technology company based in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Dr. Siva Sivananthan, director of the Microphysics Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago, founded EPIR Technologies in 1998. EPIR’s business started with a focus on developing infrared materials for the US military and on cutting-edge research for the defense industry in infrared imaging technology based on mercury cadmium telluride (MCT). The same technology that formed the basis for EPIR’s breakthrough successes in infrared imaging technology now forms the foundation for EPIR’s development of a revolutionary new photovoltaic cell. The company has grown from fewer than 20 employees just three years ago to over 60 employees today.

The infrared military market has been growing tremendously over the past few decades, and several emerging sectors in both the civilian and military markets show significant potential for further growth. The company's new infrared materials and device products will revolutionize MCT-based infrared technology and will provide much needed components for major defense and commercial manufacturers for the production of infrared sensors and imagers at a reduced cost. The company has demonstrated several product concepts through highly advanced research performed under Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contracts and other private and government contracts. EPIR has developed a manufacturing capability of single crystal cadmium telluride (CdTe) on silicon (Si), which is a low-cost, large area substrate for growing MCT crystals. EPIR is currently selling MCT to customers.

To preserve the earth for our children and for our nation’s security, it is necessary to greatly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Solar power is the largest available renewable energy source, and its use until now has been limited only by cost. Therefore, EPIR has turned its attention to the low-cost solar generation of electric power. Solar photovoltaic power promises clean, renewable energy. EPIR is developing innovative manufacturing methods to produce low-cost, high-efficiency multijunction solar cells for space, commercial and residential applications. EPIR’s approach is to combine the best features of several successful solar photovoltaic technologies: silicon, CdTe and III-V semiconductor-based multijunction devices. EPIR is leveraging these technologies together with its in-house expertise with CdTe/Si to create a revolutionary new type of multijunction solar cell consisting of single crystal II-VI semiconductors on Si, which promises low cost solar energy as an effective, practical way to address both cost and logistics issues associated with conventional solar power. Concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar technology requires less semiconductor “chip” material and reduces the amount of land needed to generate solar energy. Developing CPV based on CdTe/Si can take solar power to the point of grid parity: the point at which photovoltaic electricity is equal to or cheaper than conventional grid power.