HAMBURG, Germany and WUXI, China, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech
Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's leading manufacturer of
crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, today announced that it has
beaten all previous records for multi-crystalline silicon module conversion
efficiency, including its own record achieved last month. The new world record
conversion efficiency (aperture area only) was measured at 16.53% by the
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.
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%. In August, Suntech surpassed the
previous record of 15.5% set by Sandia National Labs 15 years ago. The latest
record is well above previous records and is a reaffirmation that Suntech's
Pluto powered multi-crystalline modules have the highest conversion efficiency
in the world.
"We are very pleased to announce that our Pluto technology has been
recognized as the most efficient multi-crystalline silicon technology in the
world," said Dr. Stuart Wenham, Suntech's Chief Technology Officer. "This
shows that it is possible to combine both first class R&D and low cost
manufacturing into a commercially viable business model that will bring clean
alternative energy to the world's growing energy demands."
Dr. Martin Green, Research Director of the ARC Photovoltaics Centre of
Excellence at the University of New South Wales, Australia, and member of the
Progress in Photovoltaics Committee said, "The 16.53% conversion efficiency
Suntech module has a clear margin over other multi-crystalline silicon
photovoltaic technologies. It has set the new benchmark for the highest
performance multi-crystalline module."
Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO, is scheduled to present a
paper on the technology required to produce the Pluto powered
multi-crystalline cells on a commercial scale at 2:45pm German time on
Wednesday, 23 September 2009 at the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy
Conference at the CCH Congress Centre and International Fair, Hamburg, Germany.
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 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.
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
SOURCE Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
For Suntech -- in China, Rory Macpherson, Investor Relations Director of Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., +86-21-6288-5574, or rory@suntech-power.com; or in the United States, Kristen McNally, Executive Vice President of The Piacente Group, Inc. (Investor Relations Counsel, Suntech), +1-212-481-2050, or suntech@tpg-ir.com
