 
Opel International Inc. of Shelton has applied its telecommunication past to a future in solar energy.
Opel was launched in 2000 by former ITT and TranSwitch executive Daniel Upp who helped to develop integrated DSL circuits for the telecommunications industry.
“Paired with lasers, the DSL circuits would convert light signals from fiber optics to pulses on copper wires that go into homes,” said Robert Pico, president and CEO of Opel.
A suggestion from Francisco Middleton, vice president of marketing at Opel, helped to make it clear that the technology could be used to produce solar power.
“It’s the beginning of a solar cell,” Middleton said.
In December 2008, the company and its 26 employees went into production with its high-performance concentration photovoltaic panels and tracker system.
According to Middleton, Opel’s flagship product is its high-concentration panel, which he said produces less heat and more power than conventional panels. The panels are made in Mexico.
The company found its first customers in Europe and in March the system was installed on the roof of a public school in Plainville and at The Sports Zone in Trumbull.
According to Pico, Opel owns the system and the clients buy power from them. The installations provide power during peak daytime demand, but do not store power.
Opel is not expanding into the residential market and it has yet to make a profit.
Pico said there are possibilities pertaining to the solar tax credits of the economic stimulus package and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, which also provides grants and rebates.
“Solar installations probably make up the biggest part of the type of projects we fund,” said Emily Smith managing director of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. “People have really become more aware of the benefits of clean energy.”
Opel has not abandoned telecommunications, they are currently working on laser technology for the U.S. Air Force as an offshoot, Opel Defense Integrated Systems.
