www.q-cells.com

In 1999, Q-Cells AG was founded with the vision of producing high-quality solar cells in Germany and developing the rapidly-growing sector of independent module manufacturers as our partners. With that, the founders wanted to contribute to sustainable development and to enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

Now, Q-Cells is the second largest producer of solar cells worldwide with a world market share of approximately 10% in 2005. In 2006 the company plans to produce mono- and multicrystalline solar cells with a total capacity of 255 Megawattpeak (MWp), compared to 165.7 MWp a year before. Q-Cells will further expand its core business by continually securing its silicon supplies and by increasing production capacity through building a new, fifth factory. Construction work in Thalheim, Germany, will start in autumn 2006.

From the outset the development of Q-Cells has been characterised by strong and dynamic growth. In July 2001 the company produced its first cell with 19 employees. Now – only five years later – more than 830 people produce solar cells that are exported in 15 countries worldwide to be assembled into solar modules.

Since its founding it has been Q-Cells AG's mission to establish an industry that ensures that solar power is not only environmentally friendly and reliable, but that it is also affordable and competitive in privatized energy markets. Today, as one of the largest producers of solar cells in the world, our goal is still the same: we want to rapidly and permanently reduce the costs of photovoltaics. The sooner that solar energy takes hold, the better for humanity, for the environment, and for future generations.

Therefore the strategy of Q-Cells AG is based on two pillars: growth and cost reduction. We continuously focus on reducing costs by improving economies of scale, minimizing the use of material, developing new technologies, and tapping new markets in regions with high incident solar radiation. In these regions, which include places like Spain and California, photovoltaics will probably be competitive in peak output ranges in as few as five to seven years.

Q-Cells AG is engaged in extensive research and development projects that cover all aspects of solar cell production. These projects focus on both the product itself and the production processes and new technologies to supplement the silicon technology that currently still dominates the market. We have continued to significantly expand our research and development department in the past few months. Currently, about 100 highly qualified scientists and engineers are working on improving our products and processes. We will increase the staff considerably this year as well.

At Q-Cells, we believe that new, additional PV technologies will supplement the silicon technology. One reason for their success is that they offer considerable potential for cost reduction. Q-Cells is expecting strong growth in new technologies and is positioning itself in these new areas of business. In order to achieve technology leadership in these new business fields we have already invested in two associate companies – CSG Solar AG and VHF-Technologies SA ("Flexcell") - and founded two subsidiaries building production lines right now. Furthermore, our Strategic Business Development department actively scans the market for technologies that are ripe for commercialisation – and thus interesting for Q-Cells.

Around the world, Q-Cells AG is poised to spearhead the breakthrough of photovoltaics as one of the leading energy sources of the future and to profit from it at the same time.

Q-Cells AG
Stefan Dietrich
Guardianstraße 16
06766 Thalheim
Germany

Phone: +49 (0)3494 668 8081
Fax: +49 (0)3494 668 777
e-mail: s.dietrich@q-cells.com
www.q-cells.com

 

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