Centrotherm International : Conti­nuing research colla­bo­ration between SERIS and FHR in the field of advanced TCO and contact coatings

On May 28th, 2018 the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) and FHR Anlagenbau GmbH, Germany jointly announced to continue the close colla­bo­ration on the development of new Trans­parent Conductive Oxide (TCO) and metal contact coatings that have broad appli­ca­tions in the solar industry. To meet indus­trial requi­re­ments new contact concepts has to be imple­mented in the production techno­logies of thin film and silicon based solar panels. At SERIS, several years of experience have been built up in thin-film techno­logies, and a group of resear­chers is working on the development of next-generation high-perfor­mance solar cells. In TCO development the use of toxic, scarce and expensive materials needs to be reduced or completely elimi­nated, without compro­mising the functional properties. TCOs and metal contacts are widely used in thin-film solar cell techno­logies such as CdTe, CIGS and amorphous silicon, they are also used in advanced high-perfor­mance silicon wafer solar cell techno­logies such as hetero­junction solar cells. Both SERIS and FHR have agreed to share their experience and expertise, and to join hands in a colla­bo­rative project aiming at lowering the cost of solar energy.

'At SERIS we are conti­nuously working to drive down the cost of solar energy.' said Professor Armin ABERLE, CEO of the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore. 'We explore advanced solar cell concepts and strive to implement them in a high-volume, low-cost process. We are happy to continue the long-term relati­onship with FHR in this field.'

Torsten Winkler, CEO of FHR Anlagenbau GmbH added that 'It´s perfect to bring both our long term experience together to master the cost reduction requi­re­ments for advanced solar cell and panel. SERIS is for us the ideal Asian-based partner working with their industry partners for the most advanced techno­logies. By coope­rating with SERIS we continue a strategic partnership with the aim of enhancing our leading know-how in vacuum process techno­logies on a high level and to offer state-of-the-art vacuum coating solutions to our customers.'

SERIS has acquired a state-of-the-art and highly versatile in-line magnetron sputtering platform from FHR, which provides excellent process control and which is capable of depositing a variety of advanced TCO materials onto substrates with a size of up to 300 mm ´ 400 mm. This platform will allow SERIS to become a leading R&D centre in thin-film and hetero­junction solar cell research, pushing these techno­logies to a compe­titive position in the renewable energy landscape.

About SERIS

The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singa­pore's national institute for applied solar energy research. SERIS is supported by the National University of Singapore (NUS), National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). SERIS conducts research, development, testing and consulting on solar energy techno­logies and their integration into power systems and buildings. The insti­tute's R&D spectrum covers materials, compo­nents, processes, systems and services, with an emphasis on solar photo­voltaic cells, modules and systems. SERIS is globally active but focuses on techno­logies and services for tropical regions, in parti­cular for Singapore and South-East Asia. SERIS colla­bo­rates closely with univer­sities, research organi­sa­tions, government agencies and industry, both locally and globally.
For more infor­mation on SERIS, please visit www.seris.sg

For media enquiries, kindly contact:

SERIS
Tan Mui Koon
Scien­tific Manager, Corporate Relations
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
About FHR Anlagenbau GmbH

FHR Anlagenbau GmbH is specia­lised in the development of innovative thin-film coating techno­logies and vacuum coating equipment and renders various services in the field of thin-film technology. The major field of business is the construction of coating plants which feature a range of vapour deposition, magnetron sputtering, CVD and ALD techno­logies for indus­trial production and research appli­ca­tions. These systems are used in many branches of industry, including photo­vol­taics, in parti­cular for CIGS solar cells and organic PV cells, solar thermal plants, optics, electronics, sensor technology, and in the automotive sector.

The product portfolio includes modular cluster systems for stationary coating of substrates, inline systems with vertical or horizontal substrate transport for coating glass plates or tube surfaces, as well as roll-to-roll plants for coating flexible substrates such as metal strips or polymer films. FHR closely colla­bo­rates with renowned research insti­tu­tions and industry partners world-wide. The company takes a leading market position, in parti­cular in the field of roll-to-roll vacuum coating equipment. In addition to plant engineering, FHR manufac­tures planar and tubular sputtering targets and has a powerful service department.