Ekkersrijt, the Netherlands, 3 September, 2011 – Smit Ovens today announced that it has seen strong sales growth for its thermal solutions for high volume thin-film solar production so far in 2011. The company has sealed deals for 16 atmospheric pressure thermal tools for CdTe production – making it the market leader with the largest installed equipment base in this field.

Smit Ovens has also sold four of its second generation in-line selenization tools for CIGS production in 2011.  This new generation reflects Smit Oven’s commitment to continuing development of this technology. Working closely with customers, it aims to create solutions that give manufacturers full control over the production process.

“We believe that thin film solar has a great future. And our deals with leading companies show that they share our belief that now is the time to invest in this technology,” says Wiro Zijlmans, CEO, Smit Ovens. “The challenge for manufacturers is to move into high volumes with consistently high yields. We’ve proven that our thermal systems and processes can deliver this vital high performance for industrial production.”

Looking ahead, Smit Ovens foresees continued strong sales in this sector, with a book to bill ratio of more than two in September 2011.

Smit Ovens is exhibiting at the 26th EU PVSEC, at the CCH Congress Centre and International Fair Hamburg, Germany, 5-8 September 2011. Hall A4, stand B22

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 attract attention.

We will meet you at the: 

Inter Solar North America, North Hall 5622 in July
The Intersolar North America is held at The Moscone Center, 747 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 Exhibition 12-14 July 2011.

26th EU PVSEC show in Hamburg Hall A4 Stand B22 in September
The 26th EU PVSEC will be held at the CCH Congress Centre and International Fair Hamburg, in Germany. Exhibition 5-8 September 2011.

Wiro Zijlmans, CEO of Smit Ovens, stated: “Smit Ovens is delighted to partner with Active Capital Company, which has relevant expertise and a network in the solar industry. It was important to us that they quickly grasped the required detail and showed their added value already during the transaction process. I am confident their expertise will bring greater opportunities, both operational as well as strategic, as we continue to grow. We look forward to working together to continue our successful business strategy.”

René van der Velden and Dick Zeldenthuis, Managing Directors of Active Capital Company, stated: “With an entrepreneurial, passionate, results-oriented management team and leading market position in thermal equipment for thin film PV, Smit Ovens is an attractive investment for us. The market for PV manufacturing equipment, after the credit crisis in 2009, is expected to show annual double digit growth in the next few years driven by capacity expansion and replacement. The thin film segment, Smit Ovens’ focus, will grow above market average. Current clients and prospects confirm Smit Ovens is well positioned to benefit from this development. Together with existing management, we will continue to develop the business and pursue growth opportunities.”

Smit Ovens focusing on thin film production equipment solutions.

In today's dynamic solar industry, mass production capability is vital. Our thermal manufacturing solutions could give you the edge. We look forward to telling you more at Solar Power International. See you there!

Visit us at Stand 6135 Kentia Hall

Discover cost-effective manufacturing equipment for CdTe, CIGS and Thin film Silicon

Visit us at MOS Technology Inc. Stand 0329

October 26-28 World Trade center Hall 1 Taipei

Ekkersrijt, the Netherlands, 1 July, 2010 – Smit Ovens has completed a two-year project to specify, design, test and build a selenium deposition and crystallization oven for continuous mass production of CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenium) solar panels. This system marks a key step forward in increasing the commercial viability of CIGS technology for the rapidly growing thin film photovoltaics market. By enabling continuous production, it provides a faster, lower cost alternative to batch processing.

Smit Ovens began exploring the use of thermal processes for thin film solar technologies as early as 2006. In this EU-funded project started in 2008, it built further on its know-how of the selenization process to specify and design an entire deposition and crystallization system from the ground up. This included developing detailed designs, process simulations and engineering drawings, the creation of a full size vacuum chamber, and extensive testing of components and critical sub-systems.

Based on this work, Smit Ovens built two production-scale prototypes for further testing and process optimization. These systems are now in operation at a customer site, where further testing of the processes has been successfully carried out.

With the completion of this project, Smit Ovens has opened a way for manufacturers to scale up CIGS production for mass markets. The system also makes production safer and easier. As a closed vacuum process, it reduces the risk of contact with toxic gases and materials. Most importantly, the deposition process uses elemental selenium which is much safer than the highly toxic, hydrogen selenide used in existing systems.

This development project was carried out with the support of the European Union, the province of Noord Brabant, the Netherlands, and the Dutch government. Smit Ovens is now continuing to further optimize the processes involved. It will also explore how the lessons learnt can be applied to other systems and production challenges.

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.

www.smitovens.nl

Discover our solutions for deposition and activation of thin layers in mass production environments.
The conference organizing team states:”With your participation we look forward once again to discussing the most important questions in the field of 'advanced coatings on glass and plastics for large-area or high-volume products', to gaining new knowledge and to identifying future trends in surface coating.”

Fraunhofer-Institut für Schicht- und Oberflächentechnik IST
Dr. Simone Kondruweit

www.iccg.eu

We look forward to telling you more at ICCG8. See you at Booth C20

Find out how by visiting Smit Ovens at the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (6 - 10 September 2010) and Exhibition (6 - 9 September 2010) at the Feria Valencia in Valencia, Spain.

Talk to our specialists about the application that can make the difference for your business:
• CIGS; Deposition of elemental selenium, RTP, crystallization
• CdTe; Deposition, Activation, back contact firing
• TCO; FTO manufacturing equipment including process based on APCVD
• Vacuum deposition platform for high temperature processes

In today's dynamic solar industry, mass production capability is vital. Our thermal manufacturing solutions could give you the edge. We look forward to telling you more at PVSEC. See you there!

www.photovoltaic-conference.com

“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

About Smit Ovens

About Jenn Feng Energy

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

“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

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. 

For further information contact:

Michael M. van der Gugten

m.v.d.gugten@smitovens.nl

+31.499.494534