The partnerships are intended to further optimize the module production technology at Vikram Solar, make preparations for cell manufacturing at the company, and establish a solar academy in India. Memorandums of understanding were signed to this effect with Fraunhofer ISE and the companies Meyer Burger and Centrotherm photovoltaics at the world’s largest industrial trade show, Hannover Messe.
“By collaborating with leading technology providers and leveraging proven expertise from some of the best brains in the industry, Vikram Solar aims to reinforce its positioning as a technologically advanced PV manufacturer,” said Gyanesh Chaudhary, Vikram Solar's managing director and CEO.
"We believe that this will add tremendous value for our global customers, resulting in unmatched product quality at very competitive costs," Chaudhary said.
Fraunhofer ISE in Germany is the largest solar research institute in Europe and holds the world record in solar cell efficiency. It will assist Vikram Solar with the research and development of industrial scale crystalline silicon solar cell and module processing. The aim is to help Vikram to rapidly expand its manufacturing capability and emerge as one of the largest integrated players in the solar industry.
“Only photovoltaic manufacturers using excellent production technology will be successful in the very competitive PV market. Fraunhofer ISE is happy to support Vikram Solar to build up a production line for solar cells with the latest technology and therefore contribute to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Indian Government,” said Gerhard Stryi-Hipp, Head of Energy Policy of Fraunhofer ISE.
In addition, Fraunhofer ISE and Vikram Solar are set to collaborate on establishing a solar academy in India, which will serve to impart technical knowledge, expertise, and practical training in solar energy systems. Fraunhofer ISE will deploy technicians, experts, and personnel with practical experience in the sphere of solar energy systems to provide knowledge and training to the aspiring individuals of the solar academy.
Headquartered in Switzerland, Meyer Burger is a global technology group delivering systems, production equipment and fully integrated system solutions and services along the entire photovoltaic value chain.
Vikram Solar has an existing relationship with Meyer Burger and uses Meyer Burger production equipment. In order to further strengthen this relationship, Vikram Solar and Meyer Burger signed an MoU for the provision of selected solar cell and module manufacturing equipment and for collaboration on process improvements in solar cell and module manufacturing, as well as research & development for materials, processes, and device technologies.
Centrotherm AG is a of cell production equipment and provides solutions for different levels of expertise across the crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturing value creation chain, specifically for processes, technology, systems, and applications.
Within the scope of their partnership, Vikram Solar and Centrotherm have agreed to collaborate by using Centrotherm’s production equipment and manufacturing expertise to improve cell efficiency and productivity.
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