Centrosolar AG, a subsidiary of Centrosolar Group AG (C3O.F), has signed a four-year supply agreement with United Solar Ovonic LLC (Uni-Solar), a subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq: ENER).
From 2008 through 2011, Centrosolar will receive a long-term supply with significant quantities to enable substantial growth of Centrosolar’s thin-film solar module production operations at Paderborn. Uni-Solar and Centrosolar have previously existing contracts.
The UNI-SOLAR laminates do not use polysilicon, which is currently in short supply and the roll-to-roll manufacturing process and equipment are proprietary. The flexible laminates, which are enclosed in plastic offer high durability and minimize the risk of impact damage. The flexible laminates are ideal for building integration.
Centrosolar Group AG processes crystalline cells into conventional solar modules at its own module plants in Doesburg, the Netherlands, and Wismar, Germany, and into thin-film solar tiles and solar roof sheeting at its Paderborn plant.
Centrosolar believes that thin-film technology, which currently accounts for nearly 10% of revenues in the "Integrated Systems" segment, is the ideal way to complement the range of modules and systems that is otherwise based on crystalline solar technology. Biohaus, which has now been absorbed into Centrosolar AG, has for some years been a market leader for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) with its product lines. Disproportionately high growth is expected particularly in the segment of building integrated photovoltaics, where the solar modules replace the previous roof covering altogether.
This supply agreement with UNI-SOLAR will cover a significant portion of Centrosolar’s requirements for flexible thin-film solar technology for the next four years.
Centrosolar Group AG
Centrosolar Group AG is among Europe’s leading suppliers of photovoltaic (PV) systems for roofs and related components, with almost 500 employees and revenue of EUR 220 million in 2007 (2008e: EUR 310 million). Its product range comprises integrated photovoltaic systems, modules, mounting systems and solar glass. Centrosolar has PV module production plants in Wismar, Germany and Doesburg, the Netherlands, as well as a solar glass plant in Fürth, Germany.
Together with Qimonda AG, it is currently erecting a solar cell plant in Porto, Portugal. The company has its own sales offices in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the USA. It generates more than half its revenue internationally.
United Solar Ovonic LLC
United Solar Ovonic LLC, a subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc., manufactures and sells thin-film solar laminates that convert sunlight to energy using proprietary technology. Distributed globally under the UNI-SOLAR® brand, the company’s products are ideally suited for cost-effective solar roofing solutions because they are lightweight, durable, flexible, can be integrated directly with building materials, and generate more energy in real-world conditions. Further information available at: http://www.uni-solar.com.
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