Applied wins Green Energy solar service contract

SANTA CLARA, USA: Applied Materials Inc. has signed a five-year service contract with Green Energy Technology Inc. (GET) of Taiwan to support GET’s Applied SunFab thin film line for solar module manufacturing.

Through its SunFab Performance Service program, the most comprehensive service offering in the solar industry, Applied will reduce operating costs while enabling a quick ramp to volume production. Applied’s SunFab Performance Service program has already reached strong momentum at leading solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers in Europe and Asia, exceeding $100M in contracts for both single and tandem junction thin film PV applications.

“Green Energy Technology sees substantial advantages in aligning with Applied Materials to provide the support infrastructure, service technology and global expertise that can help make our new venture a success,” said Mr. Hurlon Lin, president of GET. “We believe the SunFab Performance Service program will allow us to run at the lowest possible costs and maximize our profitability, enabling us to focus on delivering world-class solar PV modules to our customers.”

“Leading solar and semiconductor manufacturers are increasingly looking to external resources to manage line performance and lower operating cost,” said Manfred Kerschbaum, senior vice president and general manager of Applied Global Services. “We are pleased to be able to use our extensive expertise and global resources to help GET and others maximize the return on their manufacturing equipment investment.”

Under the agreement, Applied will service GET’s Applied SunFab thin film line using an unmatched range of engineering, logistics and automation software technologies. In addition to preventive and corrective maintenance, spare parts management and analytical services, Applied and GET will work together to develop continuous improvement programs and total factory optimization to enable low operating costs and on going productivity gains.

Green Energy Technology Inc. Ltd. (GET) was invested by San-Chih Semiconductor through an equity investment by Tatung and incorporated in July, 2004. GET’s main products are multicrystalline silicon wafers (125x125mm or 156x156mm) in thicknesses ranging from 325-200 micrometers, and single-crystal ingots and wafers.

Tatung Co., founded in 1918, is a leader in the design and manufacturing of digital consumer products, including LCD TVs, network-connected devices and home appliances. Tatung also provides system integration service. As a diversified company, Tatung has well engaged in the heavy industrial businesses such as wire and cable and industrial products like optical fiber cables, gas insulated switchgears, motors, generators, and transformers.