EANS-News: centrotherm photovoltaics extends silicon expertise: subsidiary presents new crystallization furnace

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Blaubeuren (euro adhoc) - Blaubeuren, April 27, 2009 - centrotherm
SiTec GmbH, a one hundred percent subsidiary of centrotherm
photovoltaics AG, is launching a new crystallization furnace for the
manufacture of multi-crystalline ingots on the market, and
supplementing the centrotherm photovoltaics Group's range of products
in the ingot production area. The high-performance furnace is
distinguished by a higher output compared to existing models on the
market, and is already in the testing phase. The performance
parameters achieved so far exceed expectations at this stage. In
addition to significantly optimized energy usage, the crystallization
furnace provides a solid basis for future, modular extensions. The
first crystallization furnaces are set to be supplied to customers in
the first half of 2010, which is an ideal time for market launch as
the markets are expected to recover significantly in 2010 following
the general economic downturn in the wake of the global financial
crisis. centrotherm SiTec is currently already experiencing
constantly growing demand for crystallization and wafer solutions as
both individual equipment and complete production facilities.
Together with the crystallization furnace, centrotherm SiTec also
provides facility design, engineering services, process technology
for crystallization and the key process equipment required for this.
This comprehensive portfolio once again demonstrates the centrotherm
photovoltaics Group´s high level of performance in providing
technology, process know-how and key equipment as a one-stop-shop
solution.

In the crystallization furnace, polysilicon particles are initially
smelted in a quartz crucible at over 1450°C. The smelted silicon is
then turned into multi-crystalline ingots based on the principle of
directional solidification. Bars and wafers, which are required to
manufacture solar cells and solar modules, can then be sawn from
these crystallized silicon blocks. The crystallization furnace
contains up to 450 kg of polysilicon, and has an optimized hot zone
for a quartz crucible of 880mm x 880mm x 420 mm, which allows for an
efficient silicon smelting process and optimized crystallization
process management. "With our innovative development work, we are
continuously expanding the centrotherm photovoltaics Group's range of
products in the silicon area," explained Dr. Albrecht Mozer, Managing
Director of centrotherm SiTec. "The crystallization furnace
represents a further milestone of our in-house product development.
It confirms the decision to bundle the centrotherm photovoltaics
Group's silicon expertise under the roof of centrotherm SiTec."

About centrotherm photovoltaics AG centrotherm photovoltaics AG,
which is based at Blaubeuren, is one of the world's leading
technology and service providers for the manufacturing of solar cells
and solar silicon. The broad product spectrum comprises key equipment
and turnkey production lines for crystalline and thin-film solar
cells. The product range is supplemented by reactors and converters
for the manufacturing of solar silicon. centrotherm photovoltaics
guarantees its customers important performance parameters such as
production capacity, degree of efficacy, and completion deadlines for
turnkey lines. The Group employs over 1,000 staff members, and
operates in Europe, Asia and the USA. In the 2008 financial year,
centrotherm photovoltaics generated revenue of EUR 375 million and
EBIT of EUR 56 million*, and is listed in the TecDAX on the Frankfurt
Securities Exchange. (*before purchase price allocation)

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

Further inquiry note:

Company contact:

Saskia Schultz-Ebert

Senior Manager Investor Relations

Tel: +49 7344 918-8890

E-mail: saskia.schultz-ebert@centrotherm.de

Press contact:

Christina Siebels, Grit Pauli

HOSCHKE & CONSORTEN Public Relations GmbH

Tel: +49 40 3690 50-58 /-31

E-mail: c.siebels@hoschke.de; g.pauli@hoschke.de

Branche: Energy
ISIN: DE000A0JMMN2
WKN: A0JMMN
Börsen: Börse Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard