In an effort to push forward with the development and commercial introduction of new CIGS based thin-film processes, centrotherm photovoltaics has taken an initial stake in Sunshine PV Corp. The CIGS start-up has been producing modules on a 35MW line with 7MW of production. The initial stake taken by centrotherm is 14.4% but this is expected to rise to 25%, early next year.
According to the equipment supplier, the investment was an important strategic step to introduce a second-generation selenium process at Sunshine, and support the ramp and optimization of the process to increase the pace of the process technology commercial roll-out.
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“CIGS thin-film technology offers enormous potential. With this step, we are backing this future market in a targeted manner”, commented Dr. Frank Stubhan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of centrotherm photovoltaics AG's Thin Film Module division. “We are currently experiencing major interest for CIGS technology from potential new customers.” Together with its Taiwanese customer, the South German company is working on boosting efficiency and throughput at the pilot plant. Sunshine is currently starting to sell the first modules from its Taiwanese production base.
Sunshine PV was founded in May 2007 to fabricate (1100mm x 1400mm) CIGS thin-film solar modules. The factory is located in Hsinchu Industrial Park, Taiwan.