Manz orders sputtering systems from centrotherm’s FHR for CIGS solar module factories in China

FHR Anlagenbau GmbH of Ottendorf-Okrilla, Germany (a subsidiary of centrotherm international AG) has won a contract from Reutlingen-based Manz AG for sputtering systems for manufacturing copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film solar modules, to be delivered in 2018 and commissioned in two fully integrated factories in China (as part of orders Manz received in January from partners Shanghai Electric Group and Shenhua Group).

At the same time, the centrotherm Group, through its subsidiary FHR, is targeting a strategic partnership focused on further developing CIGS thin-film technology together with Manz.

“Since our founding in 1991 we have considered ourselves as pioneers in vacuum process technology for the deposition of a wide range of functional thin films,” says FHR’s general manager Torsten Winkler. “The special electrical, optical or other functional coatings are used today in many different sectors. We can contribute our core competence into the development partnership with Manz. Together we intend to further enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of thin-film solar technology in the photovoltaic market,” he adds.

“In concluding this agreement, centrotherm has achieved an important milestone in its corporate strategy of further diversifying its range of services,” says centrotherm’s chief operating officer Gunter Fauth. “As a leading technology provider of production solutions for the manufacture of standard p-type crystalline and high-efficiency PERC [passivated emitter rear-contact] solar cells, we have again delivered proof throughout the group with FHR of our strong competence in thin-film vacuum coating.”