The cost of installing a solar energy system has dropped by more than 99 percent since 1980, with improvements to hardware features responsible for the lion’s share of this decline.

The Knoxville-based company that focuses on complex energy and environmental challenges was recently recognized in the inaugural “Rocky Top Business Awards.”

David Sholl is temporarily filling the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute Executive Director role vacated by Joan Bienvenue, who recently left the institute for a job at the University of Texas. 

The alum of Cohort 1 of the "Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator" also has four paid pilots, is raising capital, and is participating in another accelerator program.

The start-up, which is a member of Cohort 6 of the "Innovation Crossroads" program, hopes to have its first commercial facility operating by the end of 2025.

A reception on September 8 kicks off the event. Programming over the next two days includes keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions.

In Oak Ridge, one longtime organization is preparing to close its doors while another is opening an office.

QuEra Computing Inc. is leasing machines to those who want their own device, but it is not cheap.