Dec 15 2009
The Soitec Group has acquired Concentrix Solar GmbH, a privately held company, to enter the fast-growing solar energy market. Concentrix Solar is a leading provider of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar systems. Soitec provides engineered substrates to microelectronic companies. Engineered substrates play a vital role in the improvement of solar cell performance and Soitec’s technology is regarded to complement Concentrix’s expertise in CPV systems.
The acquisition is expected to provide a cost-effective solution to meet the increasing need for renewable energy in the world. In addition, the deal provides Soitec with access to Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems’ high-efficiency concentrator solar cell technologies. Soitec has signed a technology alliance with CEA-Leti and Fraunhofer.
Fraunhofer spun off Concentrix as a separate company in the year 2005. Soitec acquired 80% of the Concentrix’s shares and the remaining 20% of shares continue to be held by Fraunhofer’s founders and senior management.
In the fast growing solar energy market, CPV technology offers a cost-effective solution for large power plants located in high irradiation countries. Concentrix’s patented technology concentrates sunlight on a small area of high efficiency solar cells, thus reducing the requirement for materials as well as increasing the efficiency of the system. The CPV technology has been proven in many power plants.
Andre-Jacques Auberton-Herve, President and CEO of Soitec, said that Concentrix’s solution complements Soitec technologies well. He further added that this acquisition allows Concentrix to leverage its expertise to develop cost-effective solar photovoltaic solutions.
Fraunhofer has entered into a long-term license agreement with Soitec as a part of the deal regarding technology and know-how related to the manufacture of concentrator cells. The partners will be utilizing Soitec’s proprietary technologies to develop next-generation CPV solar cells that will be capable of delivering very high efficiency.