Sunfilm orders second ‘SunFab’ tandem junction line from Applied Materials

Sunfilm AG has placed its second turnkey ‘SunFab’ tandem junction thin-film line order with Applied Materials. The first line (60MW) is due to come on stream in July 2008 using a tandem junction cell for greater conversion efficiencies, using ultra-large 5.7m2 glass substrates. The second line is expected to become operational in approximately one year from the start-up of the first line.

“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,” said Dr. Sven Hansen, Chairman of Sunfilm’s Supervisory Board. “Our first Applied SunFab Line is making excellent progress towards this goal.”

“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,” said Dr. Mark Pinto, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Applied’s Energy and Environmental Solutions Group. “Sunfilm’s commitment to a second line affirms the readiness of 5.7m2 tandem junction technology for manufacturing.”

Applied Materials’ SunFab Thin Film Line features tandem junction cell technology that combines amorphous and microcrystalline layers to absorb both the shorter and longer wavelengths of sunlight. These tandem junction cells deliver significantly higher conversion efficiencies at a competitive cost-per-watt relative to single junction technologies. By combining tandem technology with ultra-large 5.7m2 substrates and volume manufacturing, Sunfilm expects to substantially reduce the cost of solar electricity.

Sunfilm AG was established at the end of 2006 by Good Energies and NorSun.