Breakout quarter for cleantech investments in Israel

The Cleantech Group reports that the cleantech sector in Israel experienced a breakout in the first quarter of 2008, with $132 million invested across nine companies, the highest ever for the country.

The record results were driven mainly by a $105 million investment in solar thermal concentrator company Solel Solar Systems, but are nevertheless impressive.

Israel Cleantech Ventures is ranked as one of the Top Five Global Venture Investors (by number of participations). The fund reportedly invested $16.6 million in 4 deals.

Overall, cleantech investments in North America, Europe and Israel totaled $1.25 billion in the first quarter of 2008, up 42% from the same period a year ago.

See: Cleantech Group press release.