Amtech Obtains Second High-Efficiency N-Type Solar Customer
TEMPE, Ariz. – Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS), a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, semiconductors, and sapphire and silicon wafers, today announced its solar subsidiary, Tempress Systems, received a multi-million dollar order (in the low teens) for its advanced diffusion and PECVD equipment to be used in Nexolon USA's facility located in San Antonio, Texas. The order is for 100MW and is the first phase of a planned 200MW turnkey project executed by the n-PASHA Alliance for Nexolon. Shipment is expected in the first half of fiscal 2014.
The n-PASHA Alliance members consist of Tempress Systems, ECN (Energy Research Centre of The Netherlands), and RENA GmbH. The Alliance was established in 2012 to more effectively offer the n-PASHA technology, an n-type bi-facial cell concept developed by ECN, which yields high cell efficiencies at a competitive cost level to the solar industry. The n-PASHA cells used for bi-facial modules generate electricity from light coming through both the front and rear side of the panel positioning the solar field to generate 10-20% more power at no additional cost. Additionally, the n-type modules do not suffer from LID (light induced degradation) compared to power loss of typically several percentage points for commonly used p-type modules.Â
Mr. Fokko Pentinga, CEO of Amtech Systems, Inc., commented: "We have found that through continued research and development and advancement of the n-PASHA technology we can support a distinguishable next generation high efficiency solar cell structure solution at an attractive cost of ownership. Obtaining the second customer for this n-type technology, as well as a production order for our new PECVD systems, is a great milestone for Amtech, underscoring that Amtech is on the right technology path as the solar market progresses towards higher value solutions. At Tempress, with our industry-leading Alliance partners, we are well-positioned to participate and capitalize on the solar industry's next technology buying cycle, and we believe the n-type cell will be the choice of many customers in the coming years. We look forward to working with Nexolon in San Antonio, Texas, a future solar hub in the USA, on this exciting project."
About Amtech Systems, Inc.
Amtech Systems, Inc. manufactures capital equipment, including silicon wafer handling automation, thermal processing and ion implant equipment and related consumables used in fabricating solar cells, LED and semiconductor devices. Semiconductors, or semiconductor chips, are fabricated on silicon wafer substrates, sliced from ingots, and are part of the circuitry, or electronic components, of many products including solar cells, computers, telecommunications devices, automotive products, consumer goods, and industrial automation and control systems. The Company's wafer handling, thermal processing and consumable products currently address the diffusion, oxidation, and deposition steps used in the fabrication of solar cells, LEDs, semiconductors, MEMS and the polishing of newly sliced silicon wafers.
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Amtech Systems, Inc.
