Inventux Technologies AG opens World’s First Facility to Mass Produce Thin-Film Solar Silicon Modules using Oerlikon Solar’s Micromorph® Technology
Berlin (D) / Trübbach (CH), December 4, 2008 - Oerlikon Solar, the worlds 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-class´ 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.
