* Technology transfer, development and production of back-contacted modules based on Solland’s Sunweb® technology
* Joint- pilot module production line in The Netherlands
Because of less solar-cell shadowing and minimized resistive losses the technology allows for far better efficiency rates. Both parties target serial-production of modules with an efficiency up to 16% on module level by 2011.
By working together the two companies achieve a true win-win situation. SCHOTT Solar gains access to Solland`s unique Sunweb® technology for back contact solar cells and pv-modules. Solland profits from SCHOTT Solar`s experience in module engineering and production, thereby managing a faster market entrance of the Sunweb® modules. The companies jointly will run a module pilot production line that will be built up at a Solland facility in the Netherlands.
“SCHOTT Solar is committed to state-of-the-art innovations. With Solland Solar we found a forward-thinking company to collaborate for the best solar products. By combining the innovative technologies of Solland Solar and SCHOTT Solar, we achieve an improvement in product efficiency and can simultaneously reduce production costs for the future. This is to strengthen SCHOTT Solar`s brand to the benefit of our customers”, says Dr. Martin Heming, CEO of SCHOTT Solar, and he adds: “Altogether with our skills in development and testing of cells and modules, we are able to assure high quality standards and therefore long lasting life cycles of all modules.”
Henk Roelofs, Managing Director of Solland Solar points out: “We are very happy with SCHOTT Solar as our first partner for Sunweb®, it proofs the attractiveness and maturity of our technology. SCHOTT Solar`s major know how in testing and the advancement of module technologies, as well as the company`s abilities in series production, are enabling a rapid market entrance for a high performance module on the basis of future cell technology. Hence the partnership with SCHOTT Solar is a significant step to bring our technology to market – via Solland and partner branded modules.”
The Sunweb® technology combines high solar performance with an efficient manufacturing flow. The core is a back contact cell based on ‘Metal Wrap Through‘ (MWT) technology and with unique metallization pattern on the front side. The cells are integrated into the module being the world`s first fully integrated module technology for back contact solar cells, making use of Solland’s patented In-Laminated Soldering (ILS) technology. According to both partners the modules feature a ten percent higher module efficiency than conventional modules. With its high performance and eye-catching appearance the modules will be targeted for the residential market.
About SCHOTT Solar:
SCHOTT Solar, with its high quality products, enables the potential of the sun as a nearly inexhaustible source of energy to be utilized. And it’s for exactly that reason that SCHOTT Solar produces important components for photovoltaic applications and solar energy plants. In the photovoltaic industry, the company is one of the few integrated manufacturers of crystalline silicon wafers, cells and modules. In thin-film technology, SCHOTT Solar also describes itself an advanced supplier due to having over twenty years of experience. And in the production of receivers for solar power plants, SCHOTT Solar sees itself as a market and technology leader. The receivers are key components in large-scale power plants that generate electricity from solar energy centrally on the basis of parabolic trough technology and are able to supply entire cities with power. SCHOTT Solar has production facilities in Germany, the Czech Republic, the USA and Spain. The innovative power and technological competence of the company date back to the late 1950s. SCHOTT Solar GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of the international SCHOTT technology group. SCHOTT develops special materials, components and systems for the household appliance, pharmaceutical, solar energy, electronics, optical and automotive industries. With around 17,400 employees, the SCHOTT Group generated a worldwide turnover of about 2.3 billion euros in fiscal year 2008/2009.
About Solland Solar:
Solland Solar is a worldwide leading technology company in the exciting solar photovoltaic industry. The company develops innovative solar technology and brings to market high performance cells and modules. In a world where fossil energy is becoming scarcer, the people at Solland are proud to play a part in resolving the global energy problem by creating sustainable solar energy solutions.
Solland Solar always strives to lead in innovation. With its ground-breaking patented Sunweb® technology, the company is leading the efficiency race and paving the way towards grid parity.
Solland Solar was set up in 2003 and is a 100% subsidiary of DELTA, a Dutch multi-utility company. Their business is located in Heerlen/Aachen on the border between The Netherlands and Germany. This unique location at the centre of Europe offers easy access to renowned research institutes and key European markets.
Contact Solland Solar:
Janine Ploumen
Marketing & Communication
Tel +31 (0)45 8800 637
Fax +31 (0)45 8800 605
Janine Ploumen, jploumen@sollandsolar.com
www.sollandsolar.com
www.sunwebinside.com
SCHOTT Solar AG