WUXI, China, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
(NYSE: STP), the world's leading manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules,
today announced that it has achieved a new world record conversion efficiency
of 15.6% on a commercial grade multi-crystalline silicon PV module. This
conversion efficiency surpasses the previous record of 15.5% (aperture area
only) set by Sandia National Labs 15 years ago. The multi-crystalline module
conversion efficiency was independently tested by Fraunhofer Institute for
Solar Energy Systems ISE in Germany.
Suntech's world record breaking multi-crystalline silicon module is
powered by Pluto PV cells utilizing solar grade silicon with each PV cell
having a conversion efficiency well over 17%. The previous record was based
on an aperture area or frameless module. In contrast, Suntech's new world
record efficiency includes the framed area, without which Suntech believes it
would achieve a conversion efficiency of well over 16%.
The world record conversion efficiency was accepted by the scientific
journal Progress in Photovoltaics (PIP), which offers a prestigious forum for
reporting advances in the PV industry. Professor Martin Green, Research
Director of the ARC Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence at the University of
New South Wales, Australia, and member of the PIP committee, said, "Improving
the conversion efficiency of multi-crystalline silicon modules has proven
particularly challenging and this is a very impressive achievement for such a
large module from a commercial supplier. I can confirm that the 15.6%
multi-crystalline module result is the highest known conversion efficiency
measured by a PIP-recognized test center."
Dr. Stuart Wenham, Suntech's Chief Technology Officer, said, "This is a
tremendous result for Suntech and clearly demonstrates the power and
versatility of the Pluto technology, which can be applied to both mono and
multi-crystalline wafers. The fact that this module was produced on our
commercial scale production lines using regular solar grade silicon is of
particular note. The best news is that we believe there is still room for
plenty more improvement in Pluto as we push the boundaries of technology
development to bring more powerful and reliable solar products to market."
Suntech has initiated commercial shipments of Pluto powered modules and
currently expects to ship 10MW to 15MW of Pluto products in 2009.
About the Fraunhofer Institute
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft undertakes applied research of direct utility
to private and public enterprise and of wide benefit to society. By
developing technological innovations and novel systems solutions for their
customers, the Fraunhofer Institutes help to reinforce the competitive
strength of the economy in their region, throughout Germany and in Europe.
Their research activities are aimed at promoting the economic development of
our industrial society, with particular regard for social welfare and
environmental compatibility. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's research work is
oriented toward concrete applications and results. Pure basic research, as
practiced at universities, is funded to almost 100% by public grants.
Industrial R&D, up to prototype level, is largely financed by private
enterprise. For more information please visit http://www.fraunhofer.de .
About Progress in Photovoltaics
Progress in Photovoltaics offers a prestigious forum for reporting
advances in this rapidly developing technology, right through from research to
practical application, and aims to reach all interested professionals,
researchers, and energy policy-makers. The journal's Editorial Board is drawn
from many countries with a deliberate balance of interests between research,
industrial development and practical operation of PV systems, and plays an
essential role in the refereeing of contributions. Contributions in the form
of Full Papers and Short Communications are invited on the full range of PV
topics and concerns. All submissions are rigorously peer reviewed. For more
information, please visit
http://as.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-PIP.html .
About Suntech
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) is the world's leading solar
energy company as measured by production output of crystalline silicon solar
modules. Suntech designs, develops, manufactures, and markets premium quality,
high-output, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solar products for
electric power applications in the residential, commercial, industrial, and
public utility sectors. Suntech's patent-pending Pluto technology for
crystalline silicon solar cells improves power output by up to 12% compared to
conventional production methods. Suntech also offers one of the broadest
ranges of building-integrated solar products under the MSK Solar Design
Line(TM).
Suntech designs and delivers commercial and utility scale solar power
systems through its wholly owned subsidiary Suntech Energy Engineering and
will own and operate projects greater than 10 megawatts in the United States
through Gemini Solar Development Company, a joint venture with Fotowatio
Renewable Ventures. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland and San
Francisco and sales offices worldwide, Suntech is passionate about improving
the environment we live in and dedicated to developing advanced solar
solutions that enable sustainable development. For more information, please
visit http://www.suntech-power.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements
constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can
be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates,"
"future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements,
and includes the ability of a multi-crystalline Pluto module to achieve close
to over 16% conversion efficiency in an aperture only test the ability to
achieve further improvements in Pluto, the timing of receipt of IEC
certification and commercial scale shipments of Pluto, and the volume of Pluto
product shipments in 2009. Such statements involve certain risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and
other risks is included in Suntech's filings with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Suntech does
not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required
under applicable law.
For more information, please contact:
For Suntech:
In China:
Rory Macpherson
Investor Relations Director
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
Tel: +86-21-6288-5574
Email: rory@suntech-power.com
In the United States:
Kristen McNally
Executive Vice President
The Piacente Group, Inc. (Investor Relations Counsel, Suntech)
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: suntech@tpg-ir.com
