For those who have trouble finding the press release:
01-07-2008 Adhoc CENTROSOLAR Group AG secures a long-term supply agreement with United Solar Ovonic for thin-film solar cells
* Agreement valid immediately until end of 2011
* For installation in innovative building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
* Lightweight amorphous silicon laminates ideally complement crystalline solar technology
* Supplier is market leader UNI-SOLAR®
Munich, July 1, 2008. Centrosolar AG, fully owned subsidiary of CENTROSOLAR Group AG (ISIN: DE0005148506), Munich, has signed a four-year supply agreement with the American world market leader for thin-film solar cells, United Solar Ovonic LLC (UNI-SOLAR), a fully owned subsidiary of the NASDAQ-listed Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (ISIN: US2926591098). From 2008 until 2011 inclusive, CENTROSOLAR will receive a long-term supply with significant quantities to enable substantial growth of this important intermediate product for CENTROSOLAR's own thin-film solar module production operations at Paderborn. UNI-SOLAR and CENTROSOLAR (which now incorporates BIOHAUS, alongside other companies) will thus be further extending their long-established partnership.
Further information from the issuer
The UNI-SOLAR laminates do not use polysilicon, which is currently in short supply and the roll-to-roll manufacturing process and equipment are proprietary. The flexible laminates, which are enclosed in plastic offer high durability and minimize the risk to impact damage. The flexible laminates are ideal for building integration and, thanks to their low weight, are unbeatable for roofs that are unable to support the weight of conventional glass modules. In cloudy conditions, the aSi thin-film provides a better yield than crystalline cells. UNI-SOLAR is among the longest-established thin-film manufacturers in the world. The durability of its products has been confirmed by long-term findings.
Due to a leap in worldwide demand thin-film solar cells, like the prevalent crystalline silicon cells, are in very short supply as an intermediate product for the manufacture of solar modules. CENTROSOLAR Group AG processes crystalline cells into conventional solar modules at its own module plants in Doesburg, the Netherlands, and Wismar, Germany, and into thin-film solar tiles and solar roof sheeting at its Paderborn plant. CENTROSOLAR believes that thin-film technology, which currently accounts for nearly 10% of revenues in the "Integrated Systems" segment, is the ideal way to complement the range of modules and systems that is otherwise based on crystalline solar technology. Biohaus, which has now been absorbed into Centrosolar AG, has for some years been the market leader for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) with its product lines "BIOSOL Solar Roof Tile", "BIOSOL PV Membrane", "BIOSOL PV Plates" and "BIOSOL XXL". Disproportionately high growth is expected particularly in the segment of building integrated photovoltaics, where the solar modules replace the previous roof covering altogether.
This supply agreement with UNI-SOLAR will cover a significant portion of CENTROSOLAR's requirements for flexible thin-film solar technology for the next four years.
CENTROSOLAR Group AG
CENTROSOLAR Group AG (ISIN DE0005148506) is among Europe's leading suppliers of photovoltaic (PV) systems for roofs and related components, with almost 500 employees and revenue of EUR 220 million in 2007 (2008e: EUR 310 million). Its product range comprises integrated photovoltaic systems, modules, mounting systems and solar glass. CENTROSOLAR has PV module production plants in Wismar, Germany (2008e: 85 MWp and 2009e: 165 MWp) and Doesburg, the Netherlands (2008e: 40 MWp) as well as a solar glass plant in Fürth, Germany (2008e: 5 million m2). Together with Qimonda AG, it is currently erecting a solar cell plant in Porto, Portugal (2010e: 100 MWp). The company has its own sales offices in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the USA. It generates more than half its revenue internationally. Further information available at: centrosolar.com.
United Solar Ovonic LLC
United Solar Ovonic LLC, a subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENER), manufactures and sells thin-film solar laminates that convert sunlight to energy using proprietary technology. Distributed globally under the UNI-SOLAR® brand, the company's products are ideally suited for cost-effective solar roofing solutions because they are lightweight, durable, flexible, can be integrated directly with building materials, and generate more energy in real-world conditions. Further information available at: uni-solar.com.
CENTROSOLAR Group AG
CENTROSOLAR Group AG (ISIN DE0005148506) is among Europe's leading suppliers of photovoltaic (PV) systems for roofs and related components, with almost 500 employees and revenue of EUR 220 million in 2007 (2008e: EUR 310 million). Its product range comprises integrated photovoltaic systems, modules, mounting systems and solar glass. CENTROSOLAR has PV module production plants in Wismar, Germany (2008e: 85 MWp and 2009e: 165 MWp) and Doesburg, the Netherlands (2008e: 40 MWp) as well as a solar glass plant in Fürth, Germany (2008e: 5 million m2). Together with Qimonda AG, it is currently erecting a solar cell plant in Porto, Portugal (2010e: 100 MWp). The company has its own sales offices in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the USA. It generates more than half its revenue internationally.
For further Information please contact:
CENTROSOLAR Group AG
Dr. Alexander Kirsch, Tel.: +49 (0) 89 201 80 0
or:
MetaCom Corporate Communications GmbH
Georg Biekehör, Tel.: +49 (0) 6181 982 80 30
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