Three segments of Oerlikon successfully participated at the EU PVSEC

VALENCIA, SPAIN: At the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC) Oerlikon strengthened its position as a leading equipment supplier to the growing solar industry. The trade fair took place in Valencia, Spain, from September 6-9.

At the show, Oerlikon Solar launched the new ThinFab production line for thin film silicon modules; Oerlikon Vacuum presented its brand new DRYVAC pump platform; Oerlikon Systems exhibited together with its partner Meyer Burger the new SOLARIS machine for crystalline solar cells. The leading technology position of Oerlikon got once again proved with two Solar Industry Awards Oerlikon could achieve.

Due to several important product launches this year's solar show in Valencia marked a milestone to the Group:

Oerlikon Solar launched its new production line ThinFab with a record breaking cost level of EUR 0.5 per Watt peak (Wp), a module efficiency of 10 percent and a stabilized module performance of 143 Wp. At the same time, the segment highlighted future potential of the thin film silicon technology with a champion cell of 11.9 percent efficiency, which marked another world record.

Oerlikon Vacuum presented its new DRYVAC pump platform, launched just recently to the market, and gained immediate strong market interest. With up to 30 percent less energy consumption, a considerably decreased space requirement, significantly reduced noise level and its modular design, DRYVAC is in ideal and highly efficient vacuum solution for all solar production processes.

"Based on this platform we will expand step by step the DRYVAC family offering a comprehensive solution packet to the solar industry," commented Andreas Widl, CEO of Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum.

Together with its partner Meyer Burger, Oerlikon Systems exhibited the SOLARIS, an advanced PVD sputter system. SOLARIS is an optimal production solution for front and backside coating of crystalline silicon solar cells. Its multi-layer capability allows coating on the front and backside. Its strikingly small footprint and easy integration into existing production lines give SOLARIS a remarkably low cost of ownership.

The leading technology position of Oerlikon got once again proved with two Solar Industry Awards the Group could achieve and which were handed over at the EU PVSEC. The business unit Oerlikon Systems with their new equipment SOLARIS was the winner in the "PV Tool Award" category.

"We are proud that after only 12 months on the market, our SOLARIS production tool won the solar industry's most prestigious award for innovation and technological excellence in a production system," said Andreas Dill, Head of Oerlikon Systems and CEO Oerlikon Advanced Technologies.

Oerlikon Solar has been named winner of the Thin Film Innovation Award 2010 for its next generation KAI MT, which is a key component in the new ThinFab production line.

"With the introduction of our new ThinFab we regained cost leadership in the solar industry. I'm convinced that this will change the perception of thin film silicon. With ThinFab we are definitely back in the game," stated Juerg Henz, CEO of Oerlikon Solar.