EANS-News: centrotherm photovoltaics achieves new cell and module efficiency records driven by improved crystallization process

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Company Information

Blaubeuren (euro adhoc) - August 23, 2010 - centrotherm SiTec GmbH, a
100 percent subsidiary of centrotherm photovoltaics AG, has achieved
a new cell efficiency record through an improved process in its
crystallization furnace to produce multi-crystalline ingots. Average
efficiencies of 16.6 percent, and a peak result of up to
17.0 percent, were achieved under regular production conditions on a
pilot line. The standard market levels usually achieved are between
16.2 and 16.4 percent on multi-crystalline material. centrotherm
SiTec also cut manufacturing costs by eight percent with the new
crystallization process compared with the previous process sequence.
At the module level, values of around 236 Watt peak (Wp) per module
were recorded - which usually stand at market levels from 210 to 220
Wp.

"This achievement underscores the validity of our strategy. Our work
is bearing fruit in terms of efficiency enhancements and optimized
processes that are accompanied by lower manufacturing costs along the
entire solar value-creation chain", commented Dr. Albrecht Mozer, CEO
of centrotherm SiTec. "We are the only fully integrated equipment
provider that covers the entire photovoltaic value-creation chain all
the way from polysilicon production through to solar cell and module
manufacturing. We also adjust the process steps to allow the best
possible integration, and we take a very targeted approach to
achieving further improvements."

In the multi-crystalline ingot furnace, polysilicon particles are
initially smelted in a quartz crucible at over 1,450° Celsius. The
silicon melt is then converted into multi-crystalline ingots by a
process of directional solidification. Bars and wafers are then cut
from these crystallized silicon blocks, before being processed to
produce solar cells and modules. The crystallization furnace
regularly contains up to 500 kg of polysilicon, and has an optimized
hot zone for a quartz crucible of 880 mm x 880 mm x 420 mm, which
enables an efficient silicon smelting process and optimized
crystallization process management. Further progress has also been
made with the capacity of the multi-crystalline ingot furnace: the
high-performance furnace can be utilized for up to 650 kg of
polysilicon without major modifications.

About centrotherm photovoltaics AG centrotherm photovoltaics AG,
which is based at Blaubeuren, is one of the world's leading
technology and equipment providers for the photovoltaics sector. The
company equips well-known solar companies and new sector entrants
with turnkey production lines and single equipment to manufacture
silicon, crystalline solar cells and thin film modules. As a
consequence, the Group possesses a broad and well-founded
technological basis, as well as key equipment at practically all
steps of the photovoltaics value-creation chain. centrotherm
photovoltaics guarantees its customers important performance
parameters such as production capacity, efficiencies, and completion
deadlines. The Group employs over 1,300 staff members, and operates
in Europe, Asia and the USA. In the 2009 financial year, centrotherm
photovoltaics achieved revenue of EUR 509.1 million, and EBIT of
EUR 37.2 million. The company is listed in the TecDax of the
Frankfurt Securities Exchange.

centrotherm photovoltaics AG Johannes-Schmid-Strasse 8 89143
Blaubeuren Internet: www.centrotherm.de ISIN: DE000A0JMMN2 WKN:
A0JMMN Admitted to the Regulated Market/Prime Standard, Frankfurt
Securities Exchange Corporate domicile: Germany

Contact:
Saskia Schultz-Ebert
Senior Manager Investor & Public Relations
Tel: +49 7344 918-8890
E-mail: saskia.schultz-ebert@centrotherm.de

Dr. Torsten Knödler
Manager Public Relations
Tel: +49 7344 918-8898
E-mail: torsten.knoedler@centrotherm.de

Christina Siebels, Britta Cirkel
HOSCHKE & CONSORTEN Public Relations GmbH
Tel: +49 40 3690 50-58 /-56,
E-mail: c.siebels@hoschke.de; b.cirkel@hoschke.de

end of announcement euro adhoc
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ots Originaltext: centrotherm photovoltaics AG
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Further inquiry note:

Torsten Knödler

Manager Public Relations

Tel.: 07344 - 918-8898

E-Mail: torsten.knoedler@centrotherm.de

Branche: Energy
ISIN: DE000A0JMMN2
WKN: A0JMMN
Index: TecDAX
Börsen: Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard
Berlin / free trade
Hamburg / free trade
Stuttgart / free trade
Düsseldorf / free trade
München / free trade