MUNICH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Oerlikon
Solar, the world's leading supplier of thin film
silicon photovoltaic (PV) production equipment, today announced that it
has achieved a new record efficiency level for commercial thin film
silicon PV modules. Recent test results from Oerlikon Solar's pilot
production line in Switzerland show that full-size Micromorph modules
(1.4 m2) have 151 Watts
initial power, or 11 percent initial power conversion efficiency. This
result sets a new industry record for production thin film silicon
modules. Oerlikon Solar was able to consistently reproduce modules with
similar record results, demonstrating a stable and scalable process.
"This achievement clearly demonstrates Oerlikon Solar's technical
leadership and is another key milestone on our path to grid parity",
stated Jeannine Sargent, CEO of Oerlikon Solar. Oerlikon Solar has
previously announced an ambitious production cost target of USD 0.70 per
Watt peak and is on track to achieve this target by end of 2010.
Increased module efficiency and power are key contributors to this goal.
The excellent performance of the record modules demonstrates the
advantage of Oerlikon Solar's end to end manufacturing solution.
Oerlikon Solar's advanced PV technologies and process integration
know-how result in an optimized manufacturing solution that is able to
achieve higher conversion efficiencies and lower cost of ownership. An
example of this technology optimization is Oerlikon Solar's integration
of a proprietary process to deposit high-quality transparent conducting
oxide (TCO) on the front and back surfaces of the active thin film
silicon junction. This TCO is engineered to optimize the performance of
the Micromorph technology by improving light transmittance and light
scattering, resulting in maximum efficiency and electricity output.
Success through best in class technology
Oerlikon Solar is the world leader in silicon-based thin film solar
technology and end-to-end manufacturing solutions with 10 established
customers in operation or ramp up worldwide representing 600 MWp of
yearly production capacity, enough to power 480,000 households. This
record panel is the latest result of this ongoing development program
and reinforces Oerlikon Solar's role as a technology and market leader.
Oerlikon Solar's end-to-end solution as key enabler
"We successfully implemented several modifications of key processes of
our end-to-end production line, leading to the increase in initial power
output and efficiency," emphasized Dr. Juerg Henz, Head of Thin Film
Engineering and Operations at Oerlikon Solar. "We are confident that our
ability to repeatedly achieve record results can be transferred into
mass production soon."
Low Cost, High Performance Technology
Oerlikon Solar's IEC certified Micromorph(R) technology
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 a growing number
of PV module manufacturers around the globe to produce cost-effective
high-performance thin film silicon solar modules.
"Just one more milestone in Oerlikon Solar's mission to make Solar
Power economically viable."
About Oerlikon Solar
Oerlikon
Solar offers cost-effective, field proven end-to-end
solutions for the mass production of thin-film silicon solar modules.
These fully automated manufacturing solutions are focused on reducing
device cost and maximizing productivity. They are available as modular
end-to-end solutions with metrology and upgradeability in throughput and
process technology.
Oerlikon Solar has developed a unique and innovative technology based
on its leadership in thin film technology and close cooperation with its
customers.
Oerlikon Solar is headquartered in Trubbach, has over 790 employees
in 13 locations world wide and maintains sales and service centres 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 thinfilm
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 market.
Source: Oerlikon Solar