Heraeus Photovoltaics, the supplier of metallization solutions to the PV industry, announced that it has established a cooperation agreement with Tongwei Solar on the R&D and applications of new-generation solar cell technologies, including black silicon, PERC technology and other high-efficiency technologies. Based in Chengdu, China, Tongwei Solar is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, wafers, and modules.

At the centrepiece of the collaboration agreement, the two companies will conduct joint research and development of new-generation efficient front side silver paste, with the goal of leading the industry standard.

“As one of our key partners, Heraeus Photovoltaics, accounts for major share of our metallization paste supply and helps us achieve efficient performance in terms of multi-crystalline silicon cells. As the market requirements on production processes are becoming higher and higher and the technology roadmap has been constantly updated, we are very happy to partner with Heraeus Photovoltaics to embrace the future and new technologies, and to build longer, closer and more diverse partnership,” Mr. Xie Yi pointed out.

Commenting on the announcement, Andreas Liebheit noted the commitment was the next logical step. “Heraeus and Tongwei Solar have cooperated for years. By working even closer and in a more focused manner, we believe we can set a new benchmark for the PV industry. We share the same vision: to make PV the most economical and widely implemented form of energy in the future. Working together to discover and develop innovative next-generation PV technology will bring us to that future sooner.”

As the sole PV company in China to have vertically integrated the upstream production of multi-crystalline silicon, the production of solar cells and the construction of terminal PV power stations, Tongwei has become a key player and major contributor of the PV new energy industry in China, and in the world.  According to its 2020 Plan, Tongwei’s solar cell capacity will reach 10 GW by 2020 and will launch a plan to expand its capacity by another 10 GW. To this end, Andreas Liebheit said that Heraeus Photovoltaics will provide strong support to Tongwei as always by strengthening all-round cooperation in R&D, production and application, and help Tongwei achieve its ambitious goal.

About the Heraeus Photovoltaics Global Business Unit

The Heraeus Photovoltaics Global Business Unit is an industry leading developer and manufacturer of silver metallization pastes for the photovoltaic industry. For over 40 years, Heraeus has built a reputation of innovation, extensive research and new product development in thick film technologies for some of the most prominent companies within a variety of industries. In the field of photovoltaics, the Heraeus Photovoltaics Business Unit applies this history and its innovative technology to offer metallization pastes for solar cell applications. The Heraeus SOL Series of silver pastes is specially formulated to provide higher efficiencies and wider processing windows, resulting in better yields and higher output for cell manufacturers.

About the Heraeus Group

Heraeus, the technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, is a leading international family-owned company formed in 1851. With expertise, a focus on innovations, operational excellence and an entrepreneurial leadership, we strive to continuously improve the businesses of our customers around the world. We create high-quality solutions for our customers and strengthen their long-term competitiveness by combining material expertise with technological know-how. Our ideas are focused on important issues such as the environment, energy, health, mobility and industrial applications. Our portfolio ranges from components to coordinated material systems which are used in a wide variety of industries, including the steel, electronics, chemical, automotive and telecommunications industries.

In the 2016 financial year, Heraeus generated revenues without precious metals of €2.0 bn and a total revenue of €21.5 bn. With approximately 12,400 employees worldwide in more than 100 subsidiaries in 40 countries, Heraeus holds a leading position in its global markets. In 2016, the Foundation for Family Businesses named Heraeus as one of the “Top 10 Family Businesses” in Germany.

(Photo source: Heraeus)