Printed Electronics Now Breaking News

JustBooks RFID Implementation Upgrades Library Inventory Management and Customer Experience

Dave Savastano — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:15:00 -0500

India-based library chain JustBooks is using RFID technology to automate its inventory management processes and enhance customer experience. JustBooks currently owns and loans more than 160,000 library items in various categories. All are tagged with UPM Raflatac ShortDipole RFID tags converted into custom book labels by Great Eastern Impex.

JustBooks is a fast growing library chain that offers customers monthly or annual subscription plans adaptable to individual needs and interests. In this highly customer-oriented field of business, the company sought a solution to secure smooth and swift book circulation processes that would also give customers the freedom to independently and effortlessly issue and return books as well as carry out complementary actions – like checking their profile information, book searches based on title and author, adding books to their queue or requesting them for transfer.

JustBooks embeds RFID tags into each member card and every library item. Customers use the membership card to log into an unmanned touch screen kiosk equipped with library management software and readers from ThingMagic. The handy kiosk can be used to issue and return books placed on a designated tray area and to carry out other complementary actions.

The library management software is mapped according to the library’s layout and linked with inventory data and back-end. Using additional equipment, the library staff can easily check the correct location of any items that may have been misplaced and put them back in their original place for customers to find.

JustBooks chose RFID due to its superiority over other similar technologies, especially in terms of easy and fast implementation and operational stability as well as reliability and accuracy. Pleased with the results, the company is currently expanding its use of RFID.

“The benefits of RFID are clear – for example in terms of cost savings gained from a reduced need for manual work and labour force compared to traditional library operations. The achieved real-time visibility and efficiency in turn translate into improved processes and enhanced customer experience,” said Edward Lu, sales and marketing director, Asia, RFID, UPM Raflatac.

Odersun AG Receives State Guarantees for 10 Million Euros in Loans

Dave Savastano — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:02:00 -0500

Odersun AG, manufacturer of customized thin-film solar cells and modules, received state guarantees from the Federal State of Brandenburg for €10 million in loans. The raising of credit enables Odersun to advance its ramp-up of production and market entry with customized solar products based on a proprietary technology.

“The continuous commitment of our investors and the trust of the state government in the capability of our technology and strategic approach, ensure a secure funding in the course of our company’s market entry,” says Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, CEO of Odersun AG.

Odersun is currently commissioning its 20MW production facilities in Fürstenwalde/Spree, Germany. Until the end of this year, the four already installed production lines will be in operation. Next to the manufacturing of standard thin-film modules, Odersun works on a portfolio with customer specific solar modules of special forms applicable for direct integration into buildings. First projects with building integrated solar modules by Odersun will be realized in 2011.

Shinsung Holdings Selects Applied Materials’ SmartFactory Solution to Optimize ...

Dave Savastano — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Applied Materials, Inc. announced that Shinsung Holdings Corp., a fast-growing manufacturer of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic cells and other high-technology products, has selected Applied’s SmartFactory manufacturing automation solution to optimize productivity and drive down costs as they ramp production across all their solar manufacturing operations in Korea.

Key to Shinsung’s selection was the unique ability of the SmartFactory system to combine multiple production lines into a single virtual factory, enabling the system to modify process flows in real time to deliver higher and more consistent factory output.

“Advanced factory automation is a critical part of our strategy to provide high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells to our customers around the world,” said a spokesperson for Shinsung Holdings. “We have chosen to work with Applied because SmartFactory technology offers the affordable, flexible and scalable solution we need to support our aggressive capacity growth and efficiency roadmaps.”

“Our solar customers are at an inflection point – large scale factories and higher cell efficiencies are driving broad-based adoption of factory automation systems,” said Charlie Pappis, vice president and general manager of Applied Global Services. “Applied is enabling this transition with affordable, robust, integrated automation solutions that can be expanded as customers’ businesses grow, without disrupting ongoing production.”

Rapidly-deployable Applied SmartFactory software features pre-built operating scenarios for advanced crystalline silicon cell manufacturing, enabling customers to monitor all work-in-progress material movements, manage production sequencing and deliver instructions to shop floor workers via a consistent, task-focused graphical user interface.

Bayer MaterialScience’s Bright Prospects for PV

Dave Savastano — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:46:00 -0500

Bayer MaterialScience is committed to developing sustainable technologies and materials, particularly when it comes to utilizing energy from renewable sources such as the sun and wind. With photovoltaics (PV), for example, the focus is on customer-specific solutions featuring higher energy efficiency, lower manufacturing costs and a broader range of applications.

“The current development portfolio offers a variety of innovations, including polyurethane sheathing for solar modules with an integrated assembly system, a sandwich composite of polycarbonate sheets with solar cells, and flexible solar modules with higher efficiency,” said Dr. Frithjof Hannig, who is responsible for the coordination of photovoltaics activities at Bayer MaterialScience.

At present, crystalline solar cells are leading the way worldwide in terms of solar technology. These are encapsulated by Platilon hot-melt adhesive films made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which have proved to be superior to other materials used for the same purpose. This is particularly true of their flexibility in bonding with relatively hard materials such as polycarbonate and glass. The TPU film facilitates continuous, vacuum-free processing without cross-linking and, therefore, also without emissions.

“This is a clear advantage in terms of productivity in the manufacture of photovoltaic modules. What’s more, the film can be recycled and enables complete solar modules to be repaired,” added Hannig.

When it comes to novel thin-layer solar cells, Makrofol polycarbonate encapsulation films can make it possible to produce flexible photovoltaic modules. A current target is to produce flexible, lightweight modules using reel-to-reel processing. At present, Bayer MaterialScience is working with partners to improve the product’s barrier properties against oxygen and water, in order to protect the active layer. This solution could lead to a replacement of glass which was used so far for this application.

Sheets made of the transparent polycarbonate Makrolon also make it possible to integrate solar modules in roof constructions. One example is the sandwich composite developed by Sunovation GmbH in cooperation with Bayer Sheet Europe GmbH, which comprises floating silicon cells embedded between a Makrolon® solid sheet on the one side and a Makrolon® triple-wall sheet on the other. The composite is shatterproof, flexible and boasts a long service life thanks especially to the load-bearing properties of the multi-wall sheet. As a result, it provides optimum protection for the sensitive silicon cells and meets the fire safety regulations of the construction industry.

One impressive application of Sunovation’s photovoltaic solution is installed in the Weserstadion in Bremen, which currently boasts the biggest photovoltaic system of any sports stadium in Germany. One part of this construction is the roof’s inner ring, which is seven meters deep and fitted with special modules from Sunovation over an area of 3,000 square meters. Instead of being attached to the roof, these modules actually form part of the stadium’s construction. This solution was also preferred due to the existing construction’s static load limit. Glass was not a viable option in this case due to the weight. In fact, polycarbonate cuts the weight of the structure by around 60 percent, which in this case is equivalent to some 60 metric tons. The judging panel of the European Polycarbonate Sheet Extruders (EPSE) organization was so impressed by the solution that it awarded it first place in the “Best Innovation” category.

The SOLON Black 160/05 in-roof module from SOLON SE has also won several awards. It is equipped with an intelligent system frame with an integrated assembly system based on the Bayflex polyurethane system from BaySystems. The solar module is fitted in the roof without the need for conventional installation systems. Thanks to fastening elements integrated into the plastic, the module can be screwed directly onto the roof battens. What’s more, the system’s overlapping polyurethane frame ensures that rainwater runs off easily and does not penetrate the roof.

“In other words, this module is one of only a few genuine in-roof solutions in which the surface acts as a water-bearing layer, which means that costly substructures are no longer necessary. As a result, this innovative product delivers a low-cost, all-in-one solution,” explained Dr. Hannig. In addition to the simplified substructure, the polyurethane coating of solar modules also opens up a whole range of design opportunities.

A polyurethane electrical encapsulation system based on Baydur E is recommended for insulating the sockets of solar modules. It fills even narrow gaps and cavities very quickly and offers reliable protection against external influences. To this end, the polyurethane systems house BaySystems, Denmark, and Isotherm AG, Switzerland, have developed a cost-effective process based on reaction injection molding (RIM) technology, which makes it possible to enclose electrical parts in a single step. This electrical encapsulation system has been tailor-made for this application and exhibits flame retardance in line with the requirements of UL 94 V-O.

In future, photovoltaic applications could extend far beyond traditional solar modules. One such visionary application is a “translator shirt” for traveling salesmen and other people who travel a lot. During a conversation, voice recognition software would be used to display the translated words on the shirt. “The surfaces of certain textiles can be equipped with photovoltaic elements, while other areas exhibit the properties of batteries. This would provide the power supply for the shirt,” explained Eckard Foltin from the Creative Center at Bayer MaterialScience. Then, all the user would have to do is start the program and enter the target language via a label with integrated microphone and translation unit. “This application could help overcome language barriers,” said Foltin.

New Energy to Unveil SolarWindow

Dave Savastano — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:01:00 -0500

New Energy Technologies, Inc. announced that its SolarWindow technology, the first-of-its-kind, small-scale prototype capable of generating electricity on see-thru glass, will be publicly unveiled for the first time on Sept. 16, 2010 at the University of South Florida (USF).

Electricity generated by New Energy’s SolarWindo on prototypes of see-thru glass windows will be demonstrated at 2:30p.m. EDT at the University of South Florida at this location: Science Center (SCA) Board Room (411) and Research Laboratory (421), where both natural and artificial light sources will be used as power sources.

The demonstration will be led by Dr. Xiaomei Jiang, lead researcher at the Department of Physics at the University of South Florida, whose work with the world’s smallest working organic solar cells to generate electricity on see-thru glass was made possible. Additionally, John A. Conklin, president and CEO of New Energy Technologies, Inc. will be among the event’s hosts.

New Energy researchers have developed a working prototype of the company’s SolarWindow technology in preparation for eventual full-scale production. Low production costs, improved manufacturability and increased power performance are among important, recently announced objectives researchers are now targeting. Key to these advances is the development of new methods and technologies for applying New Energy’s electricity-generating coatings to see-thru glass surfaces.

New Energy’s working prototype serves as a model for future advancements to various surface coating techniques and methodologies for applying SolarWindow™ coatings to see-thru glass.

“The public demonstration of our novel SolarWindow technology is a very exciting milestone for all our stakeholders, including the research team, management, and shareholders of New Energy,” stated Conklin. “We’re eager to demonstrate how far we have come in developing the first-ever technology of its kind with the potential to radically change the way in which we power the estimated 80 million detached homes and 5 million commercial buildings in America, and throughout the world.”

Electrical power is generated on see-thru glass when New Energy’s SolarWindow coatings are sprayed onto surfaces using commercially available technologies. This patent-pending process enables researchers to spray SolarWindow coatings onto glass at room temperature, eliminating expensive and often cumbersome high-temperature or high-vacuum production methods commonly used by current solar manufacturers.

"We applaud Dr. Jiang for her ongoing work and collaboration of the research team at the Physics lab at the University of South Florida for helping us develop an early scale working prototype of SolarWindow along with significant breakthroughs with transparency and the production of electricity on see-thru glass,” commented Conklin. “A new day is dawning for us and the general public as we look forward to combating escalating energy costs and concerns over the environment.”

DuPont to Double Solamet Production to Meet Surging Solar Energy Market Demand

Dave Savastano — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:59:00 -0500

DuPont announced plans to double production capacity for its DuPont Solamet photovoltaic metallization pastes, based on strong, continued growth in the solar energy industry and accelerated demand for new materials that enable higher efficiency photovoltaic cells. As part of DuPont’s efforts to help reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels, the capacity increase is consistent with the company’s expectation that its sales of enabling innovations into photovoltaic applications will exceed $1 billion in 2011 and $2 billion by 2014.

“We are seeing extremely strong demand from our customers, while the supply of certain materials in the photovoltaic market has been tight,” said David B. Miller, president – DuPont Electronics & Communications. “This additional capacity expansion demonstrates our commitment to decreasing dependence on fossil fuels by meeting our customers’ needs for materials that increase the efficiency of solar cells and modules. By increasing efficiency, Solamet paste helps reduce overall system costs, thereby making photovoltaic power more competitive with other forms of electricity generation.”

The planned capacity expansion, which will more than double the production capacity for Solamet products for the photovoltaic industry, involves DuPont Microcircuit Materials facilities in Manati, Puerto Rico; Dongguan, China; and Taoyuan, Taiwan. Completion of the work is expected in 2011. This is the second major Solamet expansion in the last two years. In February 2009, DuPont announced it doubled production capacity at its European electronic materials manufacturing facility in Bristol, U.K.

DuPont Solamet photovoltaic metallization pastes are made from silver and other materials, which collect electricity produced by the solar cell and transport it out of the cell. The advances made by DuPont in the field of front- and back-side metallization contacts have resulted in significant efficiency gains for solar cell technology. In 1998, the efficiency of a crystalline silicon solar cell was approximately 10 percent. Today, these cells operate at close to 16 percent for multi-crystalline wafers, and at greater than 18 percent for monocrystalline wafers.

Odersun AG Appoints Doede Vierstra as CFO

Dave Savastano — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:47:00 -0500

Odersun AG announced the appointment of Doede Vierstra as its CFO and member of the board of management.

Vierstra has worked in various executive finance positions, bringing vast experience in finance and international management. He joins Odersun from the Dutch energy provider Nuon, now part of the Vattenfall Group, where he was CFO and member of the Board of Management. Prior to that, Vierstra served as CFO and member of the Executive Board of Royal Wessanen, a stock listed organic food company, and Royal Friesland Foods.

“I strongly believe in renewable energy and solar power in particular, as a main driver in the global transition from fossil to sustainable energy supply. That transition has to start now and Odersun is a very promising company, whose products make an important contribution in that process,” said Vierstra.

“Mr. Vierstra is a great addition to our management team as the company enters the market and continues its growth,” adds Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, Chief Executive Officer at Odersun AG. “We are glad to have found in Doede Vierstra a very experienced and dedicated professional.”

Vierstra succeeds Peter van Bommel, who held responsibility for the company’s finances since early 2009. Van Bommel decided to return to his home country, The Netherlands, and has accepted another position in the meantime. The appointment of Doede Vierstra as CFO and member of the board of management of Odersun AG takes effect as from Sept. 1, 2010.

Plextronics Named One of the Fastest Growing Companies in Pittsburgh:

Dave Savastano — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:21:00 -0500

For the third consecutive year, Plextronics, Inc. was named to the Pittsburgh Business Times’ Pittsburgh 100 list of the fastest growing private companies in the region. Plextronics ranked as the fourth fastest-growing manufacturing company and the 12th fastest-growing company in the region based on revenue increases between 2007 and 2009 that topped 171 percent.

As it has expanded, Plextronics has continued to hire professionals from all over the world. Interestingly, more than 30 percent of the company’s employees have relocated to Pittsburgh specifically to work for Plextronics, with recent hires relocating to the city from San Francisco and San Jose, CA, as well as Greenwood, SC.

Plextronics, Inc. is an international technology company that specializes in printed lighting, display, solar and other organic electronics. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, the company's focus is on organic light emitting diodes (OLED) and organic solar technology, specifically the conductive inks and process technologies that enable those and other similar applications.

The privately held company was founded in 2002 as a spinout from Carnegie Mellon University, based upon conductive polymer technology developed by Dr. Richard McCullough. Over the past eight years, Plextronics scientists have refined and further developed this technology to deliver exceptional performance for printed electronics. In January 2010 the company earned ISO 9001:2008 certification of its quality management processes.

HID Global, UPM Raflatac Announce Worldwide Technology License Agreement for RFID Sealing Label ...

Dave Savastano — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:16:00 -0500

HID Global and UPM Raflatac announced a worldwide technology license agreement that enables UPM Raflatac to incorporate HID Global’s tamperproof and secure RFID sealing label technology and IP into their contactless product family. UPM Raflatac is the first company to offer HID’s secure RFID sealing solution worldwide.

“UPM Raflatac has pioneered the RFID retail and logistics market during the last 10 years and has achieved a leading market position," says Samuli Strömberg, vice president of marketing, RFID, at UPM Raflatac. “The worldwide licensing agreement with HID Global solidifies our commitment to offering world-class secure sealing solutions.”

“HID Global’s intellectual property portfolio continues to grow due to an increased emphasis on protecting our innovation as well as a number of mergers and acquisitions,” says Dr. Tam Hulusi, senior vice president, strategic innovation and intellectual property at HID Global. “As part of our Genuine HID mission to continually create and enhance customer value, HID extends technology licensing opportunities to a select group of partners to assist them in meeting and exceeding their customers’ evolving requirements.”

For HID Global, the licensing agreement is part of its ongoing general patent portfolio licensing and Genuine HID initiatives. In the first phase of the agreement, UPM Raflatac will incorporate the licensed technology into tamperproof RFID sealing tags for liquid containers. The RFID tags will be used to ensure the integrity and origin of the liquid in the container. These tags help prevent and identify the tampering and unauthorized refilling of containers by indicating when a container is opened or when attempts are made to remove the tag.

In the second phase of the agreement, UPM Raflatac will extend HID’s technology to other fields of use also covered by the license agreement, including consumer electronics and components, pharmaceutical packaging and vehicle identification.

Veeco Appoints Johannes Segner as CTO for CIGS Solar Equipment Business

Dave Savastano — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:05:00 -0500

Veeco Instruments Inc. announced that Dr. Johannes Segner recently joined the company as chief technology officer of Veeco's Solar Equipment business. In related news, Veeco will host a solar technical seminar on Sept. 6 at EU-PVSEC in Valencia, Spain, and will exhibit its CIGS solar manufacturing equipment from Sept. 6-9 at the tradeshow. Dr. Segner will be a featured speaker at the seminar, presenting "Designing a Best-of-Breed CIGS Thermal Deposition Factory, Lessons Learned & Future Considerations."

David Bruns, vice president and general manager of Veeco's CIGS Solar Equipment business, commented, "Dr. Segner has been a visionary in the use of thermal co-evaporation for production of CIGS solar modules, and will play an integral role in the strategic direction and development of our equipment and the future growth of the business. I am looking forward to showcasing his expertise at our upcoming seminar in Valencia."

Dr. Segner commented, "I am excited to join Veeco at this time to help drive further progress with our CIGS thermal deposition equipment. I am also looking forward to our upcoming technical seminar next week, where industry experts and I will discuss how to achieve the promise of high-efficiency, low cost CIGS solar technology."

Dr. Segner joins Veeco following a 30-year career in which he has distinguished himself as a leading expert in the field of thin film coating technology. He was most recently COO of Solibro GmbH, a leading manufacturer of CIGS-based solar cells that is currently producing world-leading 13% efficient CIGS modules. In his new role, Dr. Segner will be responsible for establishing Veeco's technical vision for CIGS solar products, leading the development of technology strategy for product platforms, technology roadmaps, partnerships and external relationships.

Ascent Solar Chairman Dr. Mohan Misra to Retire at End of Year

Dave Savastano — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:04:00 -0500

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc., a developer of state-of-the-art flexible thin-film solar modules, announced today that its chairman, Dr. Mohan Misra, will be retiring from his position on the Board of Directors, effective Dec. 31, 2010. Dr. Misra has decided that due to his commitments to family and for other personal reasons, he will retire from the Board. Dr. Misra is 65 years old.

Replacing Dr. Misra as chairman of the board will be current director, Dr. Amit Kumar. Dr. Kumar is an expert on photovoltaics, having performed his Ph.D. thesis research on solar energy conversion devices at Stanford University and the California Institute of Technology. He has been an entrepreneur who has built technology enterprises from start-up to public listing. He has also worked in venture capital with Oak Investment Partners and Acacia Research. Most recently, he was the CEO of the NASDAQ listed biotechnology company, CombiMatrix. Dr. Kumar has extensive strategic, financing and business development experience. He has strong contacts in academia as well as in the federal government.

Dr. Kumar holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Occidental College. After joint studies at Stanford University and Caltech, he received his Ph.D. from Caltech before completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard University.

Dr. Kumar stated, "I am honored to be appointed chairman of Ascent, and I look forward to working with the team as we enter the commercial phase of our development. Ascent's thin film photovoltaic cells, on a light, flexible substrate, have the potential to revolutionize and enable many solar energy applications. Our challenge is large-scale manufacturing and we have assembled a tremendous team to take us into that phase and into commercialization. I want to personally and on behalf or Ascent, thank Dr. Misra for his contributions to Ascent, and I look forward to working closely with Dr. Moghadam and others to continue building the company."

"Dr. Kumar has been a tremendous contributor to Ascent, and I am pleased that he will increase his involvement by taking on the chairmanship," stated Dr. Misra. "Ascent is entering a new phase of its development as indicated by the beginning of our manufacturing expansion activities. Our plant is running and we are working on expanding capacity, improving cost metrics, and delivering product. Also, considering certain family matters and other commitments, I felt this was the right time for me to retire from the board. I will remain in my position until the end of the year, and I will always be available to provide advice if needed. I want to thank all past and present employees, shareholders, customers and partners for all of the support provided to me and Ascent, and I expect the most exiting days are ahead."

"Dr. Misra founded Ascent and guided the company through our early years. He has been instrumental in the development of our revolutionary flexible, thin-film technology," stated Dr. Farhad Moghadam, the company's president and CEO. "We are delighted that he is making a commitment to family matters after a lifetime of productive technology innovation. We thank him for all of the valuable advice he has provided us, and are pleased that he will continue to be an advisor to me and the company in an unofficial role. Over the last year as CEO of Ascent, I have worked closely with Dr. Kumar and have found him to be an incredibly valuable advisor. I am looking forward to working with Amit as we continue the development of Ascent."

REC Group Announces New Overall Organizational Structure

Dave Savastano — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:03:00 -0500

REC continues to focus on strengthening its competitiveness through successful ramp-up of new production capacity and improving operational performance. To fully leverage the advantages of being an integrated solar energy company, it has been decided to consolidate REC Wafer and REC Solar, including all of REC's activities in Singapore, under one management, headed up by EVP REC Solar and group COOJohn Andersen, Jr. EVP REC Wafer Einar Kilde has decided to pursue international career opportunities outside REC.

REC's current comprehensive capacity expansion program has now been completed, and as a result of this, REC's EVP Projects Matthew Shippey will in the near future be leaving REC. REC Projects will thereafter report to CFO Bjørn Brenna.

"Einar and Matthew have been instrumental in the construction of REC's Singapore facility and the new Silicon plants in the US. We thank them for their valuable contributions to the development of REC, and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors,” said CEO Ole Enger.

Following the organizational changes, REC is expecting to realize further synergies and cost savings through a more efficient organization.

BASF Exhibits at 25th EU PVSEC

Dave Savastano — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:59:00 -0500

From Sept. 6-9, 2010, BASF will exhibit at the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), presenting a range of innovative products for the solar industry. This year's conference and exhibition, among the most important events in the global solar and photovoltaic industry, will be taking place in Valencia, Spain.

Experts will be on hand at BASF's booth (D16 in hall L2 H4) to inform visitors about the company's extensive offering, which covers the entire value-added chain for solar cells. Established products will be joined by two innovations: SELURIS Clean, an innovative and eco-friendly cleaning fluid; and a highly stable variant of BASF's Ultramid plastic, ideal for manufacturing connectors and junction boxes.

SELURIS offers solutions for etching, texturizing, doping and cleaning mono- and polycrystalline solar cells. The range is now enhanced by the innovative eco-friendly cleaning fluid SELURIS Clean. Used before and after doping with phosphoric acid, SELURIS Clean enables more efficient hydrophilization and passivation of the solar cell wafers. This in turn achieves excellent wetting and even distribution of the phosphoric acid on the wafer, thus optimizing cell performance. SELURIS Clean can also be used at lower temperatures, which reduces manufacturing costs.

To efficiently use energy generated by photovoltaic plants, connectors are required. They transport the electricity to the end consumer. BASF supplies connectors and junction boxes made of a special variant of Ultramid. This plastic is highly stable, flame-retardant and low-temperature impact resistant, essential for the durability of plants exposed to the elements. Significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity also place high demands on the plastic components.

In addition to its new products, BASF will also show-case its well-established Pluriol series, a range of tailor-made wafer cutting fluids.

BASF will once again be presenting CypoSol and COLO-Fast. CypoSol is a range of silver and aluminum inks and pastes for the metallization of solar wafers. In addition to pastes for conventional screen printing, the CypoSol range also includes the L series, especially designed inks for the new laser transfer printing process. The lead-free inks are eco-friendly and can be used to print the front and backside of the wafer.

The polyurethane casting system COLO-Fast is a quick, economical and reliable method for framing photovoltaic panels and solar panels. The UV-stable PU system is able to replace traditional aluminum frames and opens up a variety of possible frame designs for the customer.

3M to Acquire Cogent Inc.

Dave Savastano — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:57:00 -0500

3M and Cogent Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for 3M’s acquisition of Cogent Inc. for $10.50 per share.

The proposed transaction has an aggregate value of approximately $943 million, or approximately $430 million net of cash acquired. Cogent Inc., commonly referred to as Cogent Systems, provides finger, palm, face and iris biometric systems for governments, law enforcement agencies and commercial enterprises.

The agreement provides for a subsidiary of 3M to commence a tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Cogent Systems within 10 business days.

The Board of Directors of Cogent Systems has unanimously recommended that the shareholders of Cogent Systems accept the offer and Ming Hsieh, Cogent Systems’ founder and CEO, and certain entities affiliated with him have agreed to tender their shares to the offer. The offer will be subject to the tender of a majority of Cogent Systems’ shares and to certain other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter.

Cogent Systems participates in the $4 billion global biometric market, which is projected to grow at a rate greater than 20 percent per year. Its Automated Fingerprint/Palmprint Identification Systems, or AFIS, enable customers to capture fingerprint and palm print images electronically, encode prints into searchable files, and accurately compare a set of fingerprints/palm prints to a database containing potentially millions of prints in seconds.

“Cogent Systems has done a tremendous job establishing a strong presence in the biometric industry,” said Mike Delkoski, vice president and general manager, 3M Security Systems Division. “Adding Cogent Systems’ products to our business strengthens our product portfolio and services in high security credential issuance and authentication systems and positions 3M’s business in law enforcement applications. It also expands our reach into access control and other commercial ID and authentication applications.”

Identification and authentication solutions from 3M include border management products; document manufacturing and issuance systems for IDs, passports and visas; document readers and verification products; and security materials, such as laminates, to protect against counterfeiting and tampering.

“3M can accelerate our growth and extend our reach in global border control markets, law enforcement and commercial applications,” said Hsieh. “Together, we’ll deliver a broader range of identification and authentication solutions to the security industry and to our customers.”

With approximately $130 million in revenue in 2009, Cogent Systems is based in Pasadena, Calif., and employs approximately 500 people. The company has operations in Ohio, Virginia, Austria, Canada, China, and the UK. Cogent Systems would be part of 3M’s Security Systems Division. Hsieh will remain an integral part of the combined business going forward.

AVANCIS Lays Foundation Stone for Second Solar Plant in Torgau

Dave Savastano — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:56:00 -0500

AVANCIS has laid the foundation stone for its second plant in Torgau in the German state of Saxony. The company celebrated the successful progress of the construction work in the presence of renowned politicians and numerous guests.

The new plant will increase AVANCIS’ annual production capacities up to five times of the previous level, from 20 MWp to 120 MWp. Construction work commenced in June and is still running on schedule. Production at plant two is set to commence as early as the first quarter of 2012, which means the construction work is being completed in 18 months. Meanwhile, plant one is running at full capacity.

“Over 200 people will find highly qualified work in the new plant. The capacity will be 100 MWp/a:, enough modules to convert a 15,000-inhabitant city to clean energy every year,” stated Hartmut Fischer, CEO of AVANCIS, in his speech. “These modules will make it possible to omit roof-shingles while still providing rain-tight roofs. They will be suitable for assembly in facades, but also on the existing roofs of private and commercial buildings and in ground-mounted power plants. Our CIS solar modules will offer high efficiency, comparable to that of silicon modules. And these modules will even have a nicer look than our existing, already very aesthetically pleasing modules.”

“Renewable energies in the Free State of Saxony currently account for 14.2% of the total energy mix. This should be increased to 24% by 2020,” commented Frank Kupfer, Saxony’s state minister for environment and agriculture, during his welcome speech.

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, AVANCIS commissioned its first plant in Torgau in October 2008 and already employs 150 people at the site. A further 50-strong team in the fields of research and development and plant planning is also based in Munich. The new building will be adjacent to the existing plant.