ersol Thin Film GmbH First Customer to Begin Production

Oerlikon Solar, leading global supplier of field-proven thin film production equipment, introduced today its fully developed transparent conductive oxide (TCO) 1200 coating plant. These light-transmitting layers act as electrodes and “light traps” which are key components in thin film silicon modules. Oerlikon Solar is the only company to offer the combination of the TCO process step with its own production technology for solar modules of thin film silicon.

The first solar factory of this new generation has been built at ersol Thin Film GmbH in Erfurt, Germany. Production is expected to start in August of this year.

“This customer activity further solidifies our leadership position over our competitors in the marketplace,” said Dr. Uwe Krüger, chief executive officer of Oerlikon. “By introducing this unique TCO technology, we become the first-to-market and advance the performance of thin film silicon modules together with our customers.”

The TCO 1200 becomes part of the fully automated factory design FAB 1200 which allows Oerlikon Solar to integrate all production technologies and processes to create a turnkey solar factory. Oerlikon Solar the world’s only plant builder provides expertise for the central manufacturing steps — TCO coating, thin film silicon coating, laser structuring, final assembly.

During the TCO process, the optical absorption of the TCO layer must be low and the light-trapping potential as high as possible. Ultimately, these factors determine the performance of the solar modules and directly reduce the cost per watt peak. In the past, manufacturers of thin film solar modules bought the TCO-coated glass panes directly from the glass manufacturers. For that reason, it was impossible to perform selective optimization of these key components of thin film solar modules.

The new plant from Oerlikon Solar is based on a low pressure chemical vapor deposition process, using low-cost, environmentally friendly zinc oxide instead of the commonly used fluoride doped tin oxide. To ensure quality, Oerlikon Solar conducts direct testing during the production process by sampling TCO-coated glass.

About Oerlikon Solar

Oerlikon Solar offers cost-effective, field proven solutions for the mass production of Thin Film Silicon Solar Modules. These fully automated, modular end-to-end manufacturing solutions are focused on reducing device cost and maximizing productivity. They are available as modular end-to-end solutions with metrology and upgradeability in throughput and process technology.

Oerlikon Solar has developed a unique and innovative technology based on its leadership in thin film technology and in close cooperation with its customers. An in-house pilot line allows producing, testing and optimizing the solar modules in full production size.

Oerlikon Solar, headquartered in Truebbach, Switzerland, with an R&D Lab in Neuchâtel, employs 160 individuals. Global customer support and training are provided through sales and service centers in the United States, Europe and Asia.

About Oerlikon

Oerlikon (SWX:OERL) is among the world's most successful industrial high-tech companies focusing on machine and systems engineering. Oerlikon stands for leading industrial solutions and cutting-edge technology in textile production, thin film coating, propulsion, precision and vacuum technology. As a company with Swiss roots and a 100-year tradition, Oerlikon, with CHF 4.8 billion in sales, over 19,000 employees at 170 locations in 35 countries, has evolved into a global player today. The group is ranked first or second in each of its respective markets. Oerlikon's share price trebled in 2006 and its market capitalization exceeded the CHF 8.5 billion mark, which led to the company's inclusion in the European STOXX 600 index. Oerlikon was the best performing stock of the year 2006.