September 6, 2007 — Oerlikon Solar has introduced its micromorph tandem technology, which promises conversion efficiencies of 10% and higher in the near future. And, the company has strengthened its commitment to solar development by creating the position of CEO.

The micromorph tandem technology combines two different silicon materials: An amorphous top cell converts the visible part of the sun’s spectrum while a microcrystalline bottom cell absorbs the near infrared portion of the spectrum. The combination boosts the efficiency level by approximately 50% compared to traditional amorphous single cells, the company contends. In addition, “All materials we utilize in our thin-film technology are non-toxic, low cost and readily available. The embodied energy used to produce our micromorph tandem modules is merely half versus crystalline cells,” says Oerlikon CEO Dr. Uwe Krueger.

Inventux Technologies AG, a Germany-based photovoltaic (PV) company, has signed a contract with Oerlikon Solar for a 30 MWp production line to manufacture micromorph tandem modules. Inventux’ production plant will be located in Berlin. The project also includes plans to rapidly expand the facility to 100 MWp capacity.

In addition, Oerlikon has named technology industry veteran Jeannine Sargent to the newly created position of CEO for Oerlikon Solar. The move puts all of Oerlikon’s solar-related business under one umbrella and strengthens its commitment to solar development. Sargent has 20 years experience working with public and private high-tech companies, and most recently served as executive vice president and general manager of Veeco Instruments’ Metrology and Instrumentation business.