Solar Cells Info

Oslo, Norway, Aug 21, 2007
Source: Norsk Hydro ASA, press release
http://www.hydro.com/en/press_room/news/archive/2007_08/ascent_en.html

Hydro is investing an additional NOK 62 million in the solar energy company Ascent Solar, a producer of super-thin, flexible solarcell modules. In March this year, Hydro invested NOK 56 million, making for a total investment of NOK 118 million in the Colorado-based company. “Ascent has developed an exciting and future-oriented solar cell technology, and we believe there will be a large market for their products. Its super-thin, flexible solar cell modules go very well with Hydro’s building systems activities, and we look forward to maintaining our prosperous partnership with Ascent,” says Einar Glomnes, head of Hydro’s solar division.

Ascent Solar’s cells are extremely thin. The active layers which convert sunlight into electricity are no more than three micrometers thick (three-thousandths of a millimeter), compared to the conventional solar cells which are 200 micro meters thick. Ascent manufactures its thin film solar cells by a process where copper, indium, and gallium (CIGS) are layered on a flexible plastic foil which is encapsulated in a protective material. The result is that the cells are flexible, enabling application to rolled or uneven surfaces, in addition to more conventional uses.

This flexibility makes the Ascent solar cells particularly suitable to construction systems. Hydro is already actively involved in the development of aluminium building systems providing solutions for the construction of doors, windows and facades.

Spotlight on solar energy
Hydro’s engagement in solar energy involves investments in various parts of the value chain. In June this year, Hydro joined the Belgian Umicore in forming HyCore, a company that is to develop a pilot production plant for the manufacture of solar-grade silicon at Herøya in Porsgrunn, Norway. Provided that results from the pilot plant are satisfactory, Hycore will commence large-scale production of solar-grade silicon in 2010.

Hydro is also part-owner of Norsun, which will produce monocrystalline silicon wafers for the production of solar cells. In June this year, Norsun’s founder, Alf Bjørseth, laid the cornerstone for the factory, located in Årdal, Norway, which will be finished by April 2008.

“Our collaboration with Norsun, Ascent and Umicore shows that our expertise within metals and processes is making us an attractive partner in solar development. We are now continuing to seek out new possibilities and industrial partners,” says Glomnes, adding that Hydro has long-term plans in solar energy.