Solibro’s CIGS thin-film IP changes hands within Hanergy as conversion efficiency issues loom

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Hanergy Holding is transferring the intellectual property (IP) rights to Solibro’s copper-indium-gallium-selenium (CIGS) thin-film technology to subsidiary, Apollo Kunming.

Included in the deal is the IP from Solibro Research AB, a Swedish CIGS solar technology research and development company.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Solibro GmbH, the former thin-film subsidiary of German solar cell manufacturer Q-Cells SE was acquired by Hanergy Holding Group in September, 2012.

In a separate statement covering first-half 2013 financial results, Hanergy noted that new Chinese Government directives on PV manufacturers having to meet improved conversion efficiency targets, including thin-film manufacturers would lead to further consolidation and a need for companies to focus greater resources on R&D activities, something Hanergy said it would do to meet targets.

The company said that it would focus on more advanced thin-film technologies including nano-crystalline silicon and CIGS.

The key driver is due to the State Council of China’s industry dictate that is pushing PV manufacturers to meet minimum conversion efficiency values for newly constructed PV module manufacturing facilities of 18% for multicrystalline, 20% monocrystalline and 12% for thin-film technologies.

The Solibro IP transaction was valued at RMB280,000,000 (US$45.7 million). 
 

Read Next

August 24, 2026
Stronger downstream demand drove a surge in wafer prices last week, according to the latest figures from the Silicon Industry Branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association.
August 24, 2026
ES Foundry plans to transition from PERC to n-type technology while expanding US cell production amid evolving supply-chain challenges.
August 24, 2026
Australian investment firm Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has advanced its plans to develop a polysilicon production facility in the Townsville area of Queensland, Australia.
August 24, 2026
Scatec has reported quarter-on-quarter growth in revenue and operational solar PV capacity in its latest financial results.
August 24, 2026
MNRE's ninth ALMM-II revision adds larger-format G12R N-type TOPCon cells from Emmvee, Waaree, Avaada and several others.
August 24, 2026
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made two updates on its foreign inverter ban, including a revision of the definition of a power inverter.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
February 2, 2027
London, UK
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye