Partnership promotes new solar technology

A partnership between Tokyo Electron (TEL) and Oerlikon Solar will make inroads into the Australian solar market by announcing its intention to participate in the federal government’s Solar Flagships project, with the introduction to the market of economically viable and environmentally friendly thin-film photovoltaic technology.

The TEL/Oerlikon partnership claims its technology will, within a couple of years, achieve grid parity pricing with traditional forms of energy generation and allow the solar energy sector to compete on a level playing field in the energy market and create new green jobs for the Australian economy.

TEL Vice Chairman Ken Sato said: “With the Australian Government’s recent commitment to increase levels of renewable energy to 20% by 2020, we believe our technology can play a key role in strengthening Australia’s solar capability and deliver a successful outcome for the Solar Flagships project.”

Hiroshi Ishida, Director, Oerlikon Systems Department, TEL added: “Australia has a near perfect climate for solar power and government incentives, such as the Solar Flagships project, together with high levels of innovation within the industry, currently make it an attractive market.”

“TEL/Oerlikon’s advancement towards grid parity is great news for the solar power industry in Australia,” said Australia New Zealand Solar Energy Society CEO John Grimes. “It means solar is nearing a tipping point that will see rapid uptake as solar increasingly takes peak load off existing coal-fired power stations and reduces the need for future harmful emissions. Flexible, scalable installations of any size will soon be feasible, presenting compelling arguments for making the switch to solar.

“With the right policy settings and process clarity, the Solar Flagships project is integral to attracting foreign investment in solar technology into the country. TEL/Oerlikon’s participation is further evidence of the growing importance of Australia as a strategic market for the solar industry.”