April 24, 2008

Beijing, China: Oerlikon Solar Receives Chinese Order for Thin Film Manufacturing Line

Oerlikon Solar and Baoding Tianwei have signed a contract for a turnkey thin film solar module production line. The initial production capacity will be 46.5 MWp (Megawatt peak) per year. The deal includes all major thin-film solar module production equipment including metrology and testing facilities.

In the coming months the machinery will be shipped, installed and commissioned by a team of Oerlikon Solar experts.

The project site is located in Bao Ding, China and the Asian solar energy market are becoming increasingly important, and Oerlikon is well positioned to serve customers in this region. Oerlikon Solar's decision to expand production capacity by opening a new site in Singapore is one example of the company's global reach and commitment to serve customers in Asia.

"With this major order we expand our footprint in Asia entering one of the most attractive solar markets worldwide", states Dr Uwe Krüger, CEO Oerlikon.

Oerlikon already can refer to two Asian customers, CMC and Auria Solar, both located in Taiwan. In record time, CMC together with Oerlikon ramped up the solar factory. Pilot production at CMC has been started. Manufacturing at full capacity level is scheduled for this year.

"That clearly shows not only our ability to deliver on our promises but the field proven thin film silicon technology and solutions as well", says Jeannine Sargent, CEO Oerlikon Solar.

Further details about: Oerlikon Solar and Baoding Tianwei