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Blaubeuren (euro adhoc) - August 23, 2010 - centrotherm SiTec GmbH, a
100 percent subsidiary of centrotherm photovoltaics AG, has achieved a new cell
efficiency record through an improved process in its crystallization furnace to
produce multi-crystalline ingots. Average efficiencies of 16.6 percent, and a
peak result of up to 17.0 percent, were achieved under regular production
conditions on a pilot line. The standard market levels usually achieved are
between 16.2 and 16.4 percent on multi-crystalline material. centrotherm SiTec
also cut manufacturing costs by eight percent with the new crystallization
process compared with the previous process sequence. At the module level, values
of around 236 Watt peak (Wp) per module were recorded - which usually stand at
market levels from 210 to 220 Wp.
"This achievement underscores the validity of our strategy. Our work is bearing
fruit in terms of efficiency enhancements and optimized processes that are
accompanied by lower manufacturing costs along the entire solar value-creation
chain", commented Dr. Albrecht Mozer, CEO of centrotherm SiTec. "We are the
only fully integrated equipment provider that covers the entire photovoltaic
value-creation chain all the way from polysilicon production through to solar
cell and module manufacturing. We also adjust the process steps to allow the
best possible integration, and we take a very targeted approach to achieving
further improvements."
In the multi-crystalline ingot furnace, polysilicon particles are initially
smelted in a quartz crucible at over 1,450° Celsius. The silicon melt is then
converted into multi-crystalline ingots by a process of directional
solidification. Bars and wafers are then cut from these crystallized silicon
blocks, before being processed to produce solar cells and modules. The
crystallization furnace regularly contains up to 500 kg of polysilicon, and has
an optimized hot zone for a quartz crucible of 880 mm x 880 mm x 420 mm, which
enables an efficient silicon smelting process and optimized crystallization
process management. Further progress has also been made with the capacity of
the multi-crystalline ingot furnace: the high-performance furnace can be
utilized for up to 650 kg of polysilicon without major modifications.
About centrotherm photovoltaics AG
centrotherm photovoltaics AG, which is based at Blaubeuren, is one of the
world's leading technology and equipment providers for the photovoltaics
sector. The company equips well-known solar companies and new sector entrants
with turnkey production lines and single equipment to manufacture silicon,
crystalline solar cells and thin film modules. As a consequence, the Group
possesses a broad and well-founded technological basis, as well as key
equipment at practically all steps of the photovoltaics value-creation chain.
centrotherm photovoltaics guarantees its customers important performance
parameters such as production capacity, efficiencies, and completion deadlines.
The Group employs over 1,300 staff members, and operates in Europe, Asia and
the USA. In the 2009 financial year, centrotherm photovoltaics achieved revenue
of EUR 509.1 million, and EBIT of EUR 37.2 million. The company is listed in
the TecDax of the Frankfurt Securities Exchange.
centrotherm photovoltaics AG
Johannes-Schmid-Strasse 8
89143 Blaubeuren
Internet: www.centrotherm.de
ISIN: DE000A0JMMN2
WKN: A0JMMN
Admitted to the Regulated Market/Prime Standard, Frankfurt Securities Exchange
Corporate domicile: Germany
Contact:
Saskia Schultz-Ebert
Senior Manager Investor & Public Relations
Tel: +49 7344 918-8890
E-mail: saskia.schultz-ebert@centrotherm.de
Dr. Torsten Knödler
Manager Public Relations
Tel: +49 7344 918-8898
E-mail: torsten.knoedler@centrotherm.de
Christina Siebels, Britta Cirkel
HOSCHKE & CONSORTEN Public Relations GmbH
Tel: +49 40 3690 50-58 /-56,
E-mail: c.siebels@hoschke.de; b.cirkel@hoschke.de
Further inquiry note:
Torsten Knödler
Manager Public Relations
Tel.: 07344 - 918-8898
E-Mail: torsten.knoedler@centrotherm.de
end of announcement euro adhoc
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issuer: centrotherm photovoltaics AG
Johannes-Schmid-Str. 8
D-89143 Blaubeuren
phone: +49 (0) 7344 91880
mail: info@centrotherm.de
WWW: http://www.centrotherm.de
sector: Energy
ISIN: DE000A0JMMN2
indexes: TecDAX
stockmarkets: regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt, free trade: Berlin,
Hamburg, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, München
language: English
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