Oerlikon Solar, the world's leading supplier of thin-film silicon photovoltaic (PV) production equipment, today announced that Inventux Technologies AG is now the world's first manufacturer to implement Oerlikon's micromorph® technology for the mass-production of thin-film silicon solar modules. Oerlikon and Inventux ramped up the Berlin facility, which today was officially opened by Major Klaus Wowereit, in just seven months. Oerlikon's tandem-junction micromorph® process will enable Inventux to produce up to 33 MWp of highly efficient, cost-effective thin-film silicon PV solar modules per year.
"We are extremely happy to have reached this significant breakthrough for the thin-film PV industry with our 'best-in-classÂ' partner Oerlikon Solar," said Volko Loewenstein, chairman of Inventux. "This experience gives us a great deal of confidence in our plans to expand our micromorph® manufacturing capacity in the near future."
Oerlikon Solar's micromorph® process significantly boosts solar cell efficiency by adding a second microcrystalline absorber to the amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer. This layer converts the energy of the red- and near-infrared spectrum, facilitating efficiency increases of up to 50 percent. The micromorph® technology also bolsters overall module power, enabling Inventux and other manufacturers to produce cost-effective thin-film silicon solar modules.
"The opening of the Inventux production site is another example of the world-class support and knowledge Oerlikon Solar can offer to all of its customers," said Jeanine Sargent, CEO of Oerlikon Solar. "We are dedicated to helping make solar an economically viable alternative energy option, and the joined effort between Oerlikon and Inventux to quickly ramp up the world's first micromorph® fab in Berlin illustrates this commitment."
Another important feature of Oerlikon's micromorph® cell structure is its compatibility in the production facilities, which enables a modular upgrade path from amorphous to higher module efficiencies. This patented, proprietary technology and the option to upgrade an a-Si production line to a micromorph® fab facilities an efficient, cost-effective process for upgrading production capabilities.
"We strongly believe that Oerlikon Solar is the most experienced and qualified partner when it comes to micromorph® production solutions," said Roland Sillmann, CTO of Inventux. "The Oerlikon Solar equipment, their module and process know-how combined with the expertise of our staff represents an ideal basis for Inventux to establish our highly cost-competitive PV module production line."
This is just one more milestone in Oerlikon Solar's mission to make Solar Power economically viable.
About Oerlikon Solar
Oerlikon Solar offers field proven equipment and end to end manufacturing lines for the mass production of Thin Film Silicon Solar Modules. Engineered to reduce device cost and maximize productivity, its end-to-end solutions are fully automated, high yield, high uptime, and low maintenance. The production lines are complete systems, yet modular and upgradeable in both throughput and process technology. As a global leader in Thin Film Technology, the company provides its customers with extensive experience in both amorphous and high-efficiency micromorph® tandem technology. Oerlikon Solar is headquartered in Truebbach, Switzerland and is currently building a second manufacturing site in Singapore. It has over 800 employees in 20 locations world wide, and maintains sales and service centers in the USA, Europe, China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan.
About Oerlikon
Oerlikon (SWX:OERL) is one of the world's most successful high-tech industrial groups specializing in machine and plant engineering. The company is a leader in the field of industrial solutions and innovative technologies for textile manufacture, thin-film solar and thin-film coating, drive, precision and vacuum systems. With roots in Switzerland and a long tradition stretching back 100 years, Oerlikon is a global player with a workforce of more than 19,000 at 170 locations in 35 different countries. The company's sales amounted to CHF 5.6 billion and it ranks either first or second in the respective global markets.
