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Company Information for Q-Cells AG
Company Statement
The core business of Q-Cells AG is the development, manufacture and marketing of powerful solar cells made of monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon. We also want to expand thin-film technologies in our subsidiary companies. We advance photovoltaics as a sustainable technology that is compatible with our environment, and as a company we seize the opportunity inherent in this rapidly growing market.
Founded at the end of 1999, Q-Cells AG began with the production of silicon solar cells in the first six months of 2001 with only 19 employees. As of 30 September 2006, 906 persons were employed at Q-Cells; the company is the second largest solar cell manufacturer in the world, and in a comparison of independent providers, by far number one. In order to expand our sales on the Asian market, we recently opened a sales office in Hong Kong. In the coming years we want to continue to grow faster than the market in terms of turnover and production capacity.
The advancement and establishment of photovoltaics as the main energy resource of the future has one requirement above all else: an industry that makes sure that solar power is not only environmentally friendly and reliable, but also affordable and competitive on liberalised electricity markets – only then will photovoltaics be able to prevail quickly and sustainably.
To build such an industry has been the goal of Q-Cells AG since its founding in 1999. Today, less than seven years later, it has turned into the largest manufacturer of solar cells in the world.
Our vision
The consequences of global warming are obvious for all to see. Thunderstorms, droughts and flood disasters are causing damage measured in millions of euros. At the same time, oil, gas and coal reserves are running out. An environmentally friendly and affordable supply of energy is therefore one of the great challenges of the future. Photovoltaics is one of the most promising renewable energy resources of the future. Technologically it is still in its infancy. In 50, at the latest in 100 years, it will be the most important energy supplier in the world. Q-Cells will contribute to the breakthrough of photovoltaics, shape the industry and outperform market growth.
Our mission
Our mission is to drive forward and develop the application of photovoltaic technology rapidly and cost effectively so that it becomes established as a primary source of energy for the world. This is how we want to contribute to improving our environment and increasing quality of life.
Our strategy
Our objective is clear: we want to reduce the costs of photovoltaics quickly and for the long term. After all, the faster solar energy prevails, the better for us human beings, for the environment and for the upcoming generations. The strategy of Q-Cells AG rests on two pillars: growth and cost reduction. We always keep the primacy of cost reduction in mind: through increasing scale yields, reduction of material usage, the development of new technologies and by tapping new markets in regions with high sun radiation. In regions with high sunshine levels – for example, areas like Spain or California – photovoltaics is likely be competitive in the peak load range within just five to seven years.
Company Diagram
Our customers expect excellent solar cells with precisely defined product qualities. To meet these expectations both technically and visually, Q-Cells always works on optimum cell solutions for the various different requirements. Our acid textured cells make particularly high efficiencies possible – even with low-light – and have an especially even surface. Q-Cells has more than 40 cell classifications for product properties, performance and quality. No other manufacturer will give you narrower performance tolerances than we do.
Operations and Technology
Products and Services
The photovoltaic market is growing, and the demands on our range of products is growing with it. We have recognised this, and have enriched our core business of solar cell production with new thin-film technologies. As usual, we are developing not only our production capacity but also our production methods and we are setting industry standards. This is how Q-Cells became the first company in the world to bring a high-performance solar cell with a 6-inch (150 x 150 mm) edge length to the market. Through our innovations and our development, we hope to increase the benefits for customers and achieve mutual successes. That is why we are constantly enhancing our service, so that we not only serve our customers, but also work with them as equal partners to find solutions . Everything for one goal: to establish photovoltaics as a competitive source of energy.
Solar Cells
Q6LM
Monocrystalline cells
The “monocrystalllines” in our product portfolio.
Q6LTT
Multicrystalline cells
Our innovative “acid-textured” cell solution.
Q6LTT3
Multicrystalline cells
Our latest development.
Q6LEP3
Multicrystalline cells
The new standard. Faster growth.
Our customers expect high-quality solar cells with precisely defined product characteristics. In order to meet this expectation, both technically and visually, Q-Cells never stops working to find optimum cell solutions for specific requirements. Our acid-textured cells make especially high efficiencies possible — even in low-light conditions — and they have an exceptionally even surface. Q-Cells has more than 40 cell classifications for product characteristics, performance and quality. You will not find any other manufacturer who can provide tighter performance tolerances.
Thin-film Modules
The quality that customers have come to expect from Q-Cells helps make thin-film technology successful: our customers know what potentials and new possibilities for use are hidden in the still-young PV technologies. We do not simply follow behind what is happening; we actively take part in the further development of the market. Constant optimisation, skilled consultation, flexible application and reliability create trust — even for new items on the market.
Calyxo CX 35-65
0.72 square metres of what the future holds: 1200 mm x 600 mm, a product of which we could not be more proud.
Solibro SL1
Energy of the future available in the size 1190 mm x 630 mm.
Sontor SN2
Allow us to introduce: the largest module we have ever built. 1,684 millimetres of passion by 1,056 millimetres of blood, sweat and tears.
Technology
The market share of monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar cell technology — Q-Cells’ core business — is over 90%. We anticipate that this technology will be in the lead for the next 10 years, and not only because of the further potential for reducing costs.
The availability of solar grade (UMG) silicon offers an additional supply of material suitable for use in photovoltaic cells and an opportunity to increase the growth of the PV industry. Solar grade silicon offers the proven mechanical benefits of multicrystalline material and is processed in the same way.
However, development will continue; new and enhanced technologies will come to the market and take hold. One of the most promising new applications is thin-film technology, which is most of all suited for use in open spaces.
We do not just follow behind this development. True to our corporate philosophy, we move ahead energetically in this area, too: research, develop, invest. Our partners and subsidiaries are heavily involved in thin-film technologies.
Why Choose Products from Q-Cells?
The photovoltaics market will continue to experience vigorous growth over the next few years. Speed and professionalism are more crucial today than ever before. We have the specialists to produce outstanding cells and know the requirements of module production.
This enables us to develop innovative products every year that are distinguished by the vital characteristic of quality – the efficiency – and by their low light behaviour and narrow performance tolerances of only ±1.5 %. This precise classification, the launch of the 6-inch cell Q6 and implementation of the extended cell format Q6L has enabled us to set the highest standards for the solar industry.
Q-Cells works closely with its partners for our mutual success. Our strong desire is to be considered reliable and trustworthy by the market. Our reliable delivery and competent technical support meet your highest service requirements.
Continuous improvements have resulted in more efficient modules and cells, reliable service, quality consulting and intelligent photovoltaic solutions. We will not rest on our laurels; instead, we will work to improve our firm and to establish photovoltaics as the clean source of energy for the future.
Geographical Spread
Germany
Board of Directors and Key Management
| Anton Milner | Co-founder and CEO |
| Dr.Hartmut Schüning | CFO |
| Dr. Florian Holzapfel | CTO |
| Gerhard Rauter | COO |
Company AddressQ-Cells AG OT ThalheimGuardianstrasse
|
Additional Address/Key ContactHongkong |
CapitalThe share capital of the Company amounts to Euro 112,727,591 and is divided into 112,731,666 no par value shares, namely (a) 82,161,682 ordinary voting shares and (b) 30,569,984 preference shares without voting rights. |
Annual General MeetingJune | Year EndDecember |
Major Shareholders
| Good Energies (Solar Investments), Luxembourg | 48.0 |
| Free float | 52.0 |
Most Recent Statement
12/09/08 - Q-Cells AG signs agreement on silicon processing with LDK and Memorandum of Understanding on additional wafer supplies20/08/08 - Q-Cells AG opens Reiner Lemoine Research Centre
13/08/08 - Q-Cells AG publishes its report as of 30 June 2008
31/07/08 - Q-Cells confirms extension of silicon supply agreement with BSI/Timminco
26/06/08 - Annual General Meeting of Q-Cells AG prepares the ground for further fast growth
27/05/08 - Q-Cells AG to invest in Mexico