Google has thrown its weight behind a solar energy technology that is fast becoming one of the hottest renewable plays for investors, as part of its push into green technologies.

The company gave details on Thursday of $25m (£12.7m, €17.1m) of investment in renewables and philanthropic projects under its Google.org arm, the unit that manages the company’s commitment to devote 1 per cent of equity and 1 per cent of profits to philanthropy.