The University of Toledo has a long history of thin-film photovoltaic research and commercialization. Faculty members from various departments at UT have been actively involved in researching nanomaterials for photovoltaic applications. Due to their achievements and in order to speed up the process of clean electricity generation in Ohio; PVIC was created in January 2007 with $18.6 M in support from the Ohio Department of Development, along with matching contributions of $30 M from federal agencies, universities, and industrial partners.

Wright center for PVIC at UT consists of a world class technology platform in the state of Ohio employing second and third generation Photovoltaic materials tailored primarily for applications in clean electricity generation.

Five thematic areas reflect the strengths of the PVIC partners and the current needs of the industry. They are:

1. Acceleration of the commercialization of the next generation device technologies, in particular, those in the imagining and incubation stages based on quantum dot, wire, and tube structures that incorporate both organic and inorganic components and those based on dye-sensitized nanostructured metal oxides.
2. Improvement in the current generation of thin film PV for lower production costs, higher deposition rates, and higher performance based on improvements in the incubation stage through advanced small-area cell fabrication and characterization.
3. Reduction of technological barriers to the demonstration stages involving fabrication of thin film (especially Groups II-VI CdTe and amorphous silicon) photovoltaic modules, including the use of ultra light weight substrate materials, improved high-volume deposition methods, advanced inline process monitoring, and improved understanding of material properties, as well as the packaging and environmental testing of these devices.
4. Development in balance-of-systems (BOS) that tie these modules to actual power delivered in the home, business; or generating station.
5. Promotion of the use of PV, including the training and organization of installation contractors, promotion of uniform PV-related building codes across the State, coordination of activities with major utility companies, and outreach efforts that inform the public about the benefits of PV.