Smit Ovens News

Smit Ovens announces repeat order for thermal processes to be used in mass production of thin film CIGS solar cells

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Friday, February 12, 2010 – Smit Ovens today announced a deal to supply a major existing customer with several further thermal process solutions for thin film photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing. The order covers vapor transport deposition (VTD) systems for mass production of thin-film CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenium) cells. It also includes a scaled-down system for deposition of selenium and crystallization of CIGS precursors, suitable for research into process optimization.

“This repeat order underscores the strong relationship we have with this customer, which aims to be a leading player in the global CIGS cell market,” says Wiro Zijlmans, CEO, Smit Ovens. “Thermal processes are a key way to achieve competitiveness in this growing market. We’re already seeing cell efficiencies of 10-12%. And with advance thermal processes manufacturers can get close to production costs of one US$ per Watt – a crucial threshold for creating a mass market for thin film CIGS photovoltaics.”

The scaled-down deposition system which forms part of this repeat order is based on a standard mass production system. It can enable the customer to develop process optimizations which can be easily transferred to a real-world production line.

The VTD systems will be used for mass production, depositing the selenium layer following deposition of the copper, indium and gallium precursors. After this, Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) is used for optimal crystallization during soaking. Smit Ovens provides systems that ensure maximum flexibility in temperature and timings for subsequent soaking and cooling. With its background as a leader in the glass industry, the equipments flexibility provides fine control so that large glass substrates cool uniformly without risk of deformation or breakage.

About Smit Ovens
Founded in Nijmegen, the Netherlands in 1936, Smit Ovens is a leading supplier of customized thermal equipment and processes for the glass, electronics, displays and photovoltaics industries. It employs around 50 people and currently has around 3000 installations operating, including some 75 in the solar industry.

www.smitovens.com

Visit Smit Ovens at 24th PVSEC, September 2009

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Discover cost-effective thin-film thermal manufacturing processes

Thermal processes can significantly cut the cost of manufacturing thin-film photovoltaics. Find out how by visiting Smit Ovens at the 24^th EU PVSEC in Hamburg, Germany, 21^st to 24^th September 2009.

Talk to our specialists about the advantages of thermal processes for your business:

fewer manufacturing process steps
cost-effective vapor deposition
reduced use of expensive materials
increased yields and efficiency.

In today's dynamic solar industry, cost-effectiveness is vital. Our thermal solutions, diffusion and deposition process know-how, and experience in mass production could give you the edge. We look forward to telling you more at PVSEC. See you there!

Visit us at Hall B6/64

http://www.photovoltaic-conference.com/

Smit Ovens supplies Jenn Feng Industrial with thermal processes for mass production of CIGS thin film photovoltaics

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Son, the Netherlands, Monday 16^th February, 2009 – Smit Ovens today announced that it has signed a deal to supply Taiwanese company, Jenn Feng Industrial, with thermal process solutions for mass production of thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells. Under the deal, Smit Ovens will provide equipment and non-vacuum processes for in-line manufacture of CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-selenide) PV cells, incorporating use of nanoparticle precursors in the selenization process.

As a specialist in thermal processes for high volume applications, Smit Ovens brings expertise which will help Jenn Feng in its ambition to move rapidly into full scale production. “We have been working with Jenn Feng on a CIGSSe development project since March 2008. And we are delighted this has contributed to the company’s plans to scale up production for the global PV market. Thermal processes already help reduce manufacturing costs. Combining these with innovative techniques such as use of nanoparticle precursors is particularly exciting for cost-effective production of high-efficiency cells,” says Wiro Zijlmans, CEO, Smit Ovens. “We expect huge growth in solar energy and are keen to ramp up output quickly,” says Min-Fu Jong, CEO of Jenn Feng Group. “With Smit Ovens as a partner, we have access to the company’s proven experience in solar cell manufacturing and to tailor-made solutions for our production. We believe that this partnership will be an important element in our drive to provide PV cells and modules with ‘grid parity’ capability – producing electricity at comparable cost to fossil fuels – into more areas of the world.” Jenn Feng Industrial aims to start mass production of thin-film CIGS cells and modules in 2009, with an annual capacity of 35 MWp. This will enable the company to round out its PV portfolio, so it can offer customers a one-stop shop for high quality, turn-key solar solutions for commercial buildings, homes and power generation utilities.

About Smit Ovens

Founded in Nijmegen, the Netherlands in 1936, Smit Ovens is a leading supplier of customized thermal equipment and processes for the glass, electronics, displays and photovoltaics industries. It employs around 50 people and currently has around 3000 installations operating, including some 40 in the solar industry.

About Jenn Feng Energy

Jenn Feng Energy stands for high quality modules. In a clearly structured production process, Jenn Feng crafts solar cells into highly efficient solar modules. Its reliable, industry-leading technology is based on highly modern soldering processes, vacuum-process lamination and precision output measurements. Quality management is implemented throughout the company in accordance with DIN EN ISO9001:2000. For further information contact: Michael van der Gugten, m.v.d.gugten@smitovens.nl +31 499 494549 or Nancy Chang, nancy_chang@jennfeng.com +886 3 490-4111 # 295

Smit Ovens at Taiwan International PV Forum & Exhibition, 7-8 October

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Visit us at the PV Forum and Exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan. You can find us at the MOS Technology Inc. group booth, 7-18 to 7-24.

Further information on PV Forum & Exhibition Taiwan www.pvtaiwan.com

Smit Ovens generates excitement at 23rd PVSEC

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0200

There was certainly a lot of energy around at the 23rd PVSEC show in Valencia at the start of September. Our stand was buzzing with activity during all four days. Thank you to everyone who visited us!

Clearly our thermal solutions for high-volume thin-film PV production are of major interest to manufacturers. Our ability to provide mature processes and support for both pilot and full-scale production particularly attracted attention.

We're already planning to be at the 24th PVSEC show in Hamburg, but there's no need to wait till then to find out more.

If you're moving into high volume thin-film PV production, Contact us to discover how we can help maximize output and reduce costs.

Smit Ovens passes 2 gigawatt peak milestone

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Eindhoven, the Netherlands, 29^th August 2008 – Smit Ovens today announced that it has passed the 2 gigawatt peak (GWp) milestone equivalent for sales of its customized ovens in the solar energy industry. The 2 GWp figure represents the output capacity of cells that can be manufactured in one year with Smit Oven’s delivered systems. Reaching this milestone reflects the company’s strong sales in the solar sector, and the successful completion of 32 installations for leading manufacturers of thin-film photovoltaics around the world.

“Renewable energy sources have a vital role to play in the future economic and environmental health of our planet,” says Wiro Zijlmans, President of Smit Ovens. “We believe solar energy will make a key contribution, thus we are delighted to support manufacturers moving into mass production of thin-film solar devices and solar heat exchangers. Being present at PVSEC gives us an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and introduce our offering to new customers. Through close partnerships with existing customers and research specialists, we have built up extensive expertise in processes and materials. This know-how gives both us – and our customers – a valuable commercial advantage in this increasingly competitive market.”

Smit Ovens has decades of experience in providing tailor-made thermal processes for the glass, electronics and display industries. In recent years it has applied this expertise to the fast-growing solar sector. In June 2008, it moved into new headquarters in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, to support its expanding customer base. Besides office and R&D facilities, the 4000m² premises provide extensive space for manufacturing and testing of its advanced, industrial-purpose ovens.

Visitors to the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (PVSEC) in Valencia, Spain, 1-5 September 2008, can find Smit Ovens in hall 2, stand D35.

About Smit Ovens

For further information contact:

Michael M. van der Gugten

m.v.d.gugten@smitovens.nl

+31.499.494534

Opening of new Eindhoven facilities

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Smit Ovens officially opened its new head office and production facility in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on June 27. This 4000m2 facility will enable us to support our continued expansion into solutions for the solar industry. The site houses process and product development, research, manufacturing, after-sales and administrative departments.