VLSI Research reveals top 10 PV cell equipment suppliers

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Market research firm, VLSI Research Inc., has compiled its inaugural, though currently a preliminary list of the top 10 PV cell manufacturing equipment suppliers for 2008, based on sales. Although dominated by German based equipment suppliers, the market research firm noted that U.S. based Applied Materials was the largest supplier, with sales of US$455 million. Applied took the number one spot due to its acquisitions in recent years coupled with the recognition of revenues from its first ‘Sunfab’ turnkey thin-film installations, which entered production for the first time in 2008.

The second largest PV equipment supplier, according to VLSI Research was Roth & Rau, which had sales of US$275 million in 2008. Other German based suppliers in the Top 10 rankings included, Centrotherm (No. 3, US$270 million), Manz Automation (No. 6, US$140 million), Schmid Group (No. 7, US$125 million), VON ARDENNE Anlagentechnik GmbH (No. 8, US$120 million) and Rena GmbH (No. 9, US$85 million).

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The rapid growth in thin-film solar start-ups boosted sales of not only Applied Materials but that of its largest rivals, OC Oerlikon Balzers and Ulvac Inc. Swiss based Oerlikon was the fourth largest equipment supplier in VLSI Research’s rankings, with sales of US$250 million, closely followed by Ulvac of Japan with sales of US$240 million in 2008.

3S Swiss Solar, another thin-film equipment supplier also did well in the rankings, coming in at no. 10 with sales in 2008 of US$70 million.

Although Applied dominated in the sales figures, the market research firm’s analyst, Andrew Thomas, noted that only US$35 million in sales separated the second to fifth ranked supplier, highlighting the tight competitive market. 

Competition and growth is still expected in 2009 as governments continue to support the development of renewable energy sources, VLSI Research said.

Read Next

July 1, 2025
Spanish independent power producer (IPP) Zelestra has secured financing and reached financial close for its 220MW solar-plus-storage plant in Chile.
July 1, 2025
Independent power producer (IPP) Arevon Energy has closed a US$600 million credit facility to support its solar PV and energy storage portfolio in the US.
July 1, 2025
The UK government has released this week (30 June) its Solar Roadmap, which sets out practical measures to meet the country’s solar PV targets.
July 1, 2025
Solar developer ib vogt has sold a 110MW solar PV plant in Spain to international fund NextPower V ESG, which is operated by investment firm NextEnergy Capital (NEC).
July 1, 2025
French private equity firm Ardian Clean Energy Evergreen Fund (ACEEF) has bought 117 solar PV plants, worth 116MW of total capacity in several locations in Italy.
July 1, 2025
Swedish independent power producer (IPP) OX2 has begun operations at a 100MW solar PV plant in Poland, its first project as an IPP.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
July 2, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA