Due to strong demand for its solar modules, Sunfilm AG announced today that it has awarded Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) a contract for a second thin-film, photovoltaic solar production line. This second production line will be installed next to Sunfilm’s first line in Grossroehrsdorf, near Dresden, Germany.
Sunfilm’s first line, ordered last year, is expected to begin initial production runs this July, with the second line scheduled for start up approximately one year later. This will bring Sunfilm’s annual capacity at this site to over 120 megawatts (MW).
Applied Materials’ SunFab Thin Film Line features tandem junction cell technology that combines amorphous and microcrystalline layers to absorb both the shorter and longer wavelengths of sunlight. These tandem junction cells deliver significantly higher conversion efficiencies at a competitive cost per watt relative to single junction technologies, the company says.
With these production lines, Sunfilm is setting a new benchmark for the solar industry by manufacturing the world’s first tandem junction, silicon thin film photovoltaic modules using 5.7m2 glass panels. These ultra-large substrates also offer the flexibility to produce finished solar modules of half and quarter size, depending on customer preferences.
"Sunfilm’s lines will be a first in the industry, demonstrating the significant advantages of scale by applying large area nanomanufacturing technology and tandem junction efficiency to reduce cost," said Dr. Mark Pinto, senior vice president and general manager of Applied’s Energy and Environmental Solutions Group. "Sunfilm’s commitment to a second line affirms the readiness of 5.7m2 tandem junction technology for manufacturing."
About Sunfilm AG
Sunfilm AG was established at the end of 2006 by Good Energies and NorSun to manufacture the world’s first 5.7m2 tandem thin film photovoltaic modules on glass substrates on a production line supplied by Applied Materials, Inc.
About Applied Materials, Inc.
Applied Materials, Inc. is a global leader in Nanomanufacturing TechnologyTM solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat panel displays, solar photovoltaic cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient glass.
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