Meyer Burger’s high performance Heterojunction (HJT) solar cell coating technology has been selected for the installation of a manufacturing line to produce bifacial Heterojuction solar cells in Catania, Italy. The contract volume is around CHF 45 million.
Meyer Burger Technology Ltd (SIX Swiss Exchange: MBTN) today announced the successful conclusion of a strategically important contract with an Italian solar module manufacturer for two heterojuction solar cell lines enabling a total production capacity of up to 200 MW. The order comprises installation, on-site training and service of the industry-leading HELiA platform for the production of high efficiency Heterojunction (HJT) solar cells as well as full interlink automation of the manufacturing facility and amounts to around CHF 45 million. Delivery will start by mid-2018 and full production is expected to begin in 2019.
Increased production capacity for bifacial HJT solar modules
The customer currently produces thin film modules and has already delivered over 500 MW of installed PV capacity. Meyer Burger’s industrialised HELiA platform for the production of bifacial HJT solar cells has been selected as the technology of choice to replace the existing cell technology in order to produce bifacial HJT solar cells. Meyer Burger is also entering into a joint development partnership with the PV manufacturer to drive average HJT cell efficiencies beyond 23%. Production will initially start with conventional busbar cell connection technology with the plan to convert to Meyer Burger’s SWCT module technology.
The Italian photovoltaic manufacturer is a subsidiary of a European multinational power company and leading integrated player in the global power, gas and renewables markets. Present in over 30 countries worldwide, producing energy through more than 85 GW of managed capacity, this energy group is among Europe’s leading power companies in terms of installed capacity. It already manages almost 39 GW of solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and hydropower plants in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Hans Brändle, CEO at Meyer Burger, said: “We are very pleased to enter into this important strategic partnership with a strong and recognised leader in the downstream renewable energy market. This marks an important milestone for Meyer Burger’s industrialised HJT technology which is on its way to becoming the next high-efficency cell technology for bifacial solar modules.”
