BEDFORD, ENGLAND: VLSI Research Inc has announced its preliminary top 10 ranking of PV (photovoltaics) cell Manufacturing equipment suppliers for 2008.

In a list dominated by European companies, it is a US company that takes the top spot. Applied Materials is the number one supplier and experienced a huge jump in sales to the solar industry through a combination of acquisition and the recognition of revenues from its first “Sunfab” turnkey nstallations. In second place was Roth & Rau, Germany, closely followed by Centrotherm, Germany, Oerlikon, Switzerland and Ulvac, Japan. There is only $35M separating the second to fifth suppliers.

VLSI Research analyst, Andrew Thomas, commented that the key trend of 2008 was the rise of the turnkey thin film line, citing the record orders placed by customers with the big three; Applied, Oerlikon and Ulvac.

According to VLSI Research the solar cell market continued to show strong growth in 2008 across all cell technologies despite the difficult economic conditions. Looking forward to 2009 there are some signs of cooling, which is to be expected given the global economic circumstances, but government commitments to expanding renewable energy sources are expected to ensure continued growth.

VLSI Research: Preliminary Ranking of Top 10 Suppliers of PV Cell Manufacturing Equipment, 2008