EMCORE Corporation (Nasdaq: EMKR) provides semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber-optic, satellite and terrestrial solar power markets. The company today released an update regarding its collaborative efforts with XinAo Group, one of China’s largest energy companies.

EMCORE, with XinAo, announced the first deployment of a concentrator photovolataics (CPV) system in China. Per specifications of earlier agreement between EMCORE and XinAo, the 50 kilowatt test and evaluation system is in operation and producing power.

EMCORE’s CPV systems are powered by high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based multi-junction solar cells. The company is focused on developing a “next-generation” system design, called the Generation III, with improved performance at a lower cost. The new design is set for production by the second half of calendar 2009 and has already gained interest from several public utility companies already using Generation III products as their baseline.

“We are pleased to introduce the first CPV terrestrial power system in China in partnership with the XinAo Group and look forward to pursuing other solar power opportunities in China’s emerging renewable energy market,” Dr. John Iannelli, corporate chief technology officer and general manager of EMCORE’s Solar Power Division stated in the press release.

With the first deployment (in early October of 2008), EMCORE also received access permits for its 850-kW commercial solar park installation in the Extremedora region of Spain. According to the press release, EMCORE anticipates several more pilot sites to be deployed by the end of the year.

EMCORE and XinAo are currently discussing the possibility of a joint-owned plant in China, which will be used to manufacture CPV systems designed and certified by EMCORE.

Let us hear your thoughts below: