Aiming to set a new solar industry benchmark by manufacturing the world’s first tandem junction, silicon thin film photovoltaic modules on 5.7-square-meter glass panels, Germany-based Sunfilm AG, which was formed last year, said today that it will purchase a second SunFab thin film solar panel manufacturing line from Applied Materials Inc [AMAT].

Yesterday, Applied today detailed its SunFab Performance Service program that aims to allow continuous cost reduction based on megawatt output in order to guarantee the performance cost and output of its SunFab line.

This second line will be installed next to Sunfilm’s first line in Grossroehrsdorf, Germany, which is expected to begin initial production runs this July, with the second line scheduled for start up approximately one year later, bringing Sunfilm’s annual capacity at the site to over 120MWp.

The ultra-large substrates give Sunfilm the flexibility to offer customers finished solar modules of half- and quarter-size.

“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. Sunfilm’s commitment to a second line affirms the readiness of 5.7-square-meter tandem junction technology for manufacturing,” noted Dr. Mark Pinto, CTO, senior VP and general manager of Applied’s energy and environmental solutions group, in a statement.

Applied’s SunFab line leverages tandem junction cell technology that combines amorphous and microcrystalline layers to absorb both shorter and longer wavelengths of sunlight to deliver higher conversion efficiencies at a competitive cost per watt relative to single junction technologies, the company said.

By combining tandem technology with the ultra-large substrates and volume manufacturing, Sunfilm said it expects to substantially reduce the cost of solar electricity.

“Developing cost-effective solar technology is critical for the future, and we must continue to find new ways to improve module performance in order to make solar energy more affordable for the end users. Our first Applied SunFab Line is making excellent progress towards this goal,” added Dr. Sven Hansen, chairman of Sunfilm’s supervisory board.

In another show of demand for solar cells and panels, Hoku Materials Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoku Scientific Inc [HOKU] and photovoltaic cell and module manufacturer Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd [STP] have amended their polysilicon supply contract to confirm the 10-year term of the contract, which was previously subject to a mutual right for either party to unilaterally reduce the term to 7 years.

In addition, Hoku has been granted a right of first refusal to deliver all or any portion of the polysilicon in the form of wafers on commercial terms that are no less favorable to Suntech than it would otherwise be able to obtain with total amounts that may be payable to Hoku under the contract approximately $678 million, plus amounts payable for excess shipments that may be delivered in calendar year 2009.

Suntech and Hoku further agreed to extend the date when either party may terminate the supply agreement if Hoku is unable to complete the financing for its polysilicon production plant until December 31 and to reduce the financing milestone to $75 million, including the $25 million that was already raised by Hoku Scientific's sale of common stock in February.

Prior to the amendment, either Hoku or Suntech had the right to terminate the supply agreement if Hoku was unable to secure an aggregate of $100 million on or before May 31, to finance the procurement and construction of its planned polysilicon plant in Pocatello, Idaho.

Suntech also agreed to use its best efforts to obtain trichlorosilane, or TCS, this year and next year for Hoku’s use at its production facility.

Hoku plans to build on-site TCS production facilities as part of its polysilicon plant, expected to be complete in 2009; however, until Hoku’s plant is complete, TCS from a third party will allow the commencement of production faster than otherwise possible. If Suntech is able to obtain TCS for Hoku Materials, then Hoku Materials will allocate to Suntech additional polysilicon production output in 2009 that is in excess of Hoku Materials's pre-existing 2009 customer commitments.

By: DocMemory
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