Photon Expo: German Photovoltaic Industry Remains Optimistic
MUNICH, Mar 4 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
Germany's photovoltaic (PV) industry is emerging as a success
story despite the economically trying times. Start-ups and established solar
companies alike will be showcasing their successes at this year's
Photovoltaic Technology Show 2009 Europe in Munich, Germany from March 4 - 6.
Germany is an appropriate setting, as the country remains the global leader
in PV and has seen an increase in investments across the entire industry.
The PV industry's positive signs for continued growth come
primarily as a result of research breakthroughs, increasing demand, continued
government investment in the sector, and comprehensive business incentives
for investors. Recent estimates put Germany's PV power output at 5.3
Gigawatt-peak (GWp) of cumulated power and 1,500 Megawatt-peak (MWp) of newly
installed PV power. The latest progress in this sector has been seen in the
field of research. Most notably, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy
Systems (ISE) in Freiburg, Germany has recently set a new energy retention
record. Reporting an efficiency of 41.1 percent, these solar cells open up
new possibilities for the entire industry. At this rate, significantly more
sunlight can be converted to energy compared to standard solar cells
currently on the market.
While this important research hurdle has been cleared,
investment in R&D continues to promise further progress. The Fraunhofer
Gesellschaft has recently opened the "Center for Organic Materials and
Electronic Devices Dresden" (COMEDD) in order to develop economically viable
processes for organic semiconductor devices, such as organic solar cells and
light-emitting diodes. At the same time, the Fraunhofer ISE inaugurated its
new laboratory for silicon material research in Freiburg, the "Silicon
Materials Technology and Evaluation Center" (SIMTEC). This institute hopes to
improve silicon crystallization and wafer technology as well as crystallizing
silicon thin film technology.
2009 and Beyond
In other market segments, a large number of companies are
investing in Germany's PV industry. Examples of recent announcements include
TUV Rheinland Group, Alfasolar, Euroglas, Solibro, Wacker, and Ersol (part of
Bosch Group). This year alone, a number of developments in the industry will
occur: Alfasolar plans to open a highly automated production center for
crystallized silicon solar modules this spring. In addition, Euroglas, one of
Europe's largest glass manufacturers, is investing in a solar glass
manufacturing facility in Haldensleben, Saxony-Anhalt, which is expected to
initiate production in May 2009.
Significant announcements have been made that will continue to
bolster the PV industry beyond 2009: Wacker has announced plans to construct
a new production plant for polysilicon in Nunchritz, Saxony - a total
investment of EUR 760 million. Slated to begin operations in 2011, this plant
will be supplemented by a further expansion of the Burghausen site as well.
Additionally, Ersol is expanding its manufacturing capacity for crystalline
solar cells and modules in Arnstadt, Thuringia. By 2012 the site hopes to
triple its production capacity and double its workforce through an infusion
of EUR 530 million.
Germany Trade & Invest will be in attendance to help PV
companies interested in entering or expanding in the German market. The
organization will have industry experts present at this year's Photovoltaic
Technology Show in Munich in Hall C2 B 28 in order to showcase the
opportunities available to potential investors.
Germany Trade and Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment
promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises
and supports foreign companies seeking to expand into the German market and
assists companies established in Germany looking to enter foreign markets.
All inquiries are treated confidentially.
Media Contact:
Eva Henkel
Phone: +49-30-200099-173
Fax: +49-30-200099-111
Email: eva.henkel@gtai.com
SOURCE: Germany Trade and Invest
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