Frost & Sullivan Acknowledges AZUR SPACE's World-Class Solar Cells
By Frost Sullivan, PRNEMonday, April 5, 2010
LONDON, April 6, 2010 - Based on its recent analysis of the solar power industry, Frost &
Sullivan recognizes AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH (AZUR SPACE) with the "2009
World Solar Power Industry Growth Leadership Award." AZUR SPACE has carved a
niche for itself in the field of space and terrestrial solar cell
applications by providing high-performance solar cells. The company's Si and
GaAs solar cells are renowned for their unmatched quality and efficiency
rates. In fact, AZUR SPACE is the sole producer of GaAs cells in Europe and
only one of the three producers of this cell, worldwide.
(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)
The solar power industry still lacks a viable technology that can enable
the mass production of solar panels. Moreover, customers are reluctant to
switch to the high-cost solar energy solutions, especially in the current
economic climate. Companies need to reduce production costs to earn higher
profit margins and promote this form of renewable energy.
AZUR SPACE has been working hard on technology advancement to plug the
holes in product development. It uses special semiconductor grades of
Czochralski-grown material to prepare its silicon cells on, while its
GaAs-based cells are prepared by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) on
germanium (Ge) substrates.
"The company's cell production for satellite application ranges from the
standard silicon cells to the very high efficiency GaAs cells with more than
30 percent efficiency in space that includes not only protection diodes but
also maximized end-of-life efficiency and power-to-weight ratios," says Frost
& Sullivan Research Analyst Suchismita Das. "The range of Si cells produced
by AZUR SPACE also includes highly specialised ones for deep space missions."
AZUR SPACE claims to produce the best solar cells for satellite applications.
At present, only triple junction cells of the Gallium Indium Phosphide
(GaInP)/GaAs/Ge kind are in production. These GaAs cells are not only used
for space applications but also for custom-designed terrestrial concentrated
PV systems.
At the moment 38 percent efficient solar cells for terrestrial
concentrator application are in production at AZUR SPACE. It leverages its
close ties with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE to
develop and launch 40 percent-efficient concentrated photovoltaic (PV) cells
for terrestrial applications next year. In the longer term, cells with 50%
efficiency should be possible, which will result in about 35% AC overall
system efficiency.
AZUR SPACE produces its Si and GaAs cells in an integral Cell FAB on a
4,500 meter square production area with a cell capacity equivalent to 350 KW
(annually). The company is ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certified and
has qualified for recertification as per requirements.
Apart from serving the space and terrestrial market with its high-quality
solar cells, AZUR SPACE is also planning to enter the healthcare market with
its unique offer of solar cells. It is researching ways to use the GaAs
technology for medical applications such as X-ray detectors. Although this is
still in a nascent stage, the company is optimistic about a breakthrough
innovation. The company has already won a medical innovation award from the
German Ministry of Research for its research activities in the medical space.
"The company's innovation of triple junction cells for satellites is a
breakthrough technological innovation that led to the complete transition
from silicon cells to triple junction GaAs cells in 2008 for space
applications," notes Das. "The company is rolling out this technology in the
United States and is making efforts to introduce it in the market and compete
against the existing silicon counterparts."
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has
demonstrated excellence in capturing the highest annual compound growth rate
for the last three years.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety
of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and
superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation,
customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts
compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth
interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify
best practices in the industry.
About AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
Starting its business as a part of Telefunken GmbH in 1964, AZUR SPACE
began developing and producing solar cells for space applications in
Heilbronn, Germany. Till date, the company has equipped over 360 satellites
with its solar cells. AZUR SPACE also meets quality compliances as it is ISO
14001-certified and so on. The company has a remarkable history that includes
the introduction of silicon solar cells for space applications in Europe in
1964, the introduction of multicrystalline silicon solar cell in 1974
(worldwide) and the development of the first fully automated production line
in screen-printing technology in 1983. It is also responsible for the
introduction of the high-efficiency silicon solar cell with 18 percent
efficiency in 1986 and the development of GaAs in 2001. AZUR SPACE claims to
become the sole producer of gallium arsenide solar cells in Europe and will
offer PV cells with 41.4 percent efficiency for terrestrial concentrator
systems (at present, these cells are in the development phase).
AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH Contact Information Dr. Gerhard Strobl, Director Business Development & Projects, E-Mail: gerhard.strobl@azurspace.com Phone: +49-7131-67-3190
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Frost & Sullivan Contact Information Jasmine Malone - Promotions Coordinator Phone: +44-207-915-7869 E-Mail: jasmine.malone@frost.com
Dr. Gerhard Strobl, Director Business Development & Projects, AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH, +49-7131-67-3190, gerhard.strobl at azurspace.com; or Jasmine Malone - Promotions Coordinator, Frost & Sullivan, +44-207-915-7869, jasmine.malone at frost.com
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