News

ersol Thin Film GmbH has announced its first commercial sales contractfor its ‘Nova-T’ solar modules since investing over €80 million in theproduction of thin-film modules. The contract is with K+C Schmidt GbRfor the supply of approximately 500 kWp modules, which is expected togo on stream shortly in Grevenbroich, Germany, the company said.

Wafer prep equipment specialist, Akrion, Inc. has entered thephotovoltaic market with the announcement that a GAMA immersioncleaning system has been qualified for an advanced solar cleaningapplication for an unidentified solar cell manufacturer.

SCHOTT Solar is to begin construction of a 200,000 square foot facilityin Mesa del Sol, Albuquerque, New Mexico at an initial cost of $100million that will be used to manufacture critical components for solarthermal receivers and photovoltaic (PV) panels. 350 jobs will beinitially created and as many as 1,500 jobs could be created when allphases of the plant are complete.

EDF Energies Nouvelles has signed two new contracts for photovoltaicmodules to further meet its solar energy development needs in 2008 withSolarfun & Yingli Green Energy.

Signet Solar has selected Air Products to supply turnkey installation of gas delivery systems and services and related gas needs for a new, thin-film photovoltaic (PV) module production facility located in Mochau, Germany. The new plant will be on stream in the summer of 2008 and marks Air Products' entry into the thin-film photovoltaic industry.

China Sunergy has said that it has established its European sales andmarketing headquarters in Munich, Germany in response to a growingcustomer base, especially in Germany that includes aleo solar AG andasola.

centrotherm photovoltaics AG has established a branch in Taiwan as part of its strategy to expand its presence in regions with high growth expectations in PV adoption and manufacturing. The company cited Taiwan’s planned statutory subsidy program for renewable energies as a key reason for establishing a permanent presence in the country.

As part of its plans to begin production of its thin film copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar modules later in 2008, HelioVolt has selected Eyelit's Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software suite for its 20MW facility.

Jeff Winzeler has been named as successor to the role of CFO for thecompany, a position previously held by Glenn Carnahan. Winzeler departsthe company’s franchise operation Yes! Solar, Inc., where he held therole of President.

Ascent SolarTechnologies has marked a major milestone in its move to volumeproduction of advanced, thin-film photovoltaic modules with the on-timedelivery and installation of all equipment required to complete theintegration of its initial 1.5 MW production facility.