Oerlikon Solar a company engaged in the manufacture of thin film silicon solar modules has announced the receipt of an up-gradation order from its client Baoding Tianwei Solar Films. Currently Tianwei utilizes amorphous technology to manufacture thin film silicon solar modules up to 46 MW and the company has placed an upgrade order to switch over to 75 MW Micromorph technologies for the manufacture of thin film solar modules.
Tianweis General Manager Ma Wenxue cited the 30% increased power production and lower module costs as reason for the up-gradation investment in Oerlikon Solar's Micromorph technology.
Oerlikon Groups CEO Michael Buscher said that the current up-gradation order from Tianwei proves the advantages offered by the thin film silicon technology and he further elaborated the plans of the company in implementing such technologies to consolidate their position in the solar market.
The worldwide photovoltaic market is witnessing a faster growth and according to a recent report from iSuppli the PV market all over the world is expected to exceed 13 GW before the end of the year 2010, which almost doubles, its total sales during 2009. The growth has become possible due to the introduction of low cost crystalline and thin film know-how. Oerlikon Solar is looking forward to take advantage of this growth by offering viable and cost effective PV modules.
Oerlikon Solar has made tremendous strides in the thin film solar technology and is looking forward to further slash the cost of solar technology. During the year 2008 the company was able to achieve over 50% reduction in cost price of the solar modules and is further looking forward to achieving $0.70/W price before the end of 2010 thus trying to accomplish cost effective solar power production when compared to other renewable energy sources or even conventional energy sources.
Baoding Tianwei Solar Films is looking forward to commence the upgrade process from January 2011 and have it completed by March 2011 to begin its commercial production.