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January 19, 2010 Berlin (Germany), January 19, 2010 – Odersun AG announced today that it has achieved the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certification for its standard CIS-based solar modules on first submittal and will start volume production. The IEC 61646 and 61730 certifications demonstrate that Odersun’s modules meet the IEC’s strict norms regarding function, quality and safety. These certificates of compliance were awarded by the German Engineering Association VDE for the company’s 1 by 1.70m framed glass-foil modules built of Odersun's CIS-on-copper-tape cells. Having now passed this important milestone, Odersun starts the ramp-up of its 20MW manufacturing facilities in Fürstenwalde (Spree), Germany: “With starting production we are able to deliver Odersun's aesthetically appealing CIS solar modules to our customer base this quarter.” explains Hein van der Zeeuw, CEO of Odersun, “This is an excellent foundation for us to further expand our product portfolio with customized solar modules for architectural building integration. For this, we are cooperating with various partners from the building industry.” Odersun unique technology allows full customization of solar modules, which is required to meet the demanding functional and aesthetic standards of modern architecture. In its proprietary reel-to-reel manufacturing process Odersun uses flexible copper tape as basic component and carrier for the CIS (Copper-Indium-Disulphide) solar cell. This flexible basis enables the fabrication of solar modules precisely to customer specifications in any size, power and design. About Odersun AG (www.odersun.com) Odersun AG designs and manufactures flexible, silicon free, solar products using a proprietary, worldwide patented, thin-film technology. Its manufacturing process enables the company to produce solar cells that can be assembled into solar modules of virtually any size or any power, in flexible or glass packaging. This adaptability is decisive for applications of building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV). The company is backed by an international group of leading investors including Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures (UK), Virgin Green Fund (US/UK), Advanced Technology & Materials (China), PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund (US), AGF Private Equity (a member of Allianz Group, France) and Valor KG (Austria). Contact Korinna Penndorf Odersun AG, GERMANY Phone: +49 (0)172 2380 110 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it BEIJING, China/ BERLIN, Germany, 2nd November 2009: Advanced Technology & Materials Co., Ltd. (AT&M), a Chinese stock-listed high-tech enterprise in advanced materials, and Odersun AG, a German manufacturer of thin-film solar cells and modules, today announced the plan to form a joint venture in Beijing, China, for the production and sales of solar cells and modules based on Odersun proprietary thin-film technology. Odersun and AT&M established their relationship in 2004, when AT&M became an early investor in Odersun and a strategic partner in a number of joint research projects. As recent renewable energy support schemes drive significant growth in the photovoltaic sector in China, both companies now join forces to address the fast-growing market by forming this joint venture. “We are delighted with this chance to bring highly innovative and flexible solar products based on Odersun’s technology to the growing Chinese market,” says Dr. Zhao Pei, President of AT&M, “Our joint venture is the result of long-term cooperation and trust between Odersun and AT&M.” AT&M’s expertise in material science and technologies as well as Odersun’s innovative solar technology and market experience, form the mutually beneficial foundation of this collaboration: “Here we have the unique opportunity to address the Chinese market and at the same time to further accelerate innovation at Odersun in cooperation with a highly competent partner,” states Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, Chief Executive Officer of Odersun AG, “While we continue with our current expansion plans in Germany, our future technology development will benefit from AT&M’s expertise and longtime experience in material technology and manufacturing.” The construction of the joint venture’s manufacturing facilities in China is expected to start in the course of 2010. For further information, please contact: Jianliang Zhang, AT&M Co., Ltd., CHINA, Phone: +8610-62182757, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Korinna Penndorf, Odersun AG, GERMANY, Phone: +49 (0)172 2380 110, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it About Advanced Technology and Materials (www.atmcn.com/en/) Advanced Technology & Materials Co., Ltd. is principally engaged in the development, manufacture, and sale of new materials and related products. The Company is also involved in the trading business and the provision of engineering technologies. The Company offers its products under four categories: extra-hard and refractory materials, functional materials, fine metal products, and biomedical materials. About Odersun AG (www.odersun.com) Odersun AG designs and manufactures flexible, silicon free, solar products using a proprietary, worldwide patented, thin-film technology. Its manufacturing process enables the company to produce solar cells that can be assembled into solar modules of virtually any size or any power, in flexible or glass packaging. This adaptability is decisive for applications of building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV). The company is backed by an international group of leading investors including Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures (UK), Virgin Green Fund (US/UK), Advanced Technology & Materials (China), PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund (US), AGF Private Equity (a member of Allianz Group, France) and Valor KG (Austria). BERLIN, Germany, 30 September 2009: Odersun AG, a German manufacturer of thin-film solar cells and modules, announces today the appointment of Uwe Hering as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer with effect from October 1st, 2009. Uwe Hering has a master’s degree in electrical engineering and brings, from the semiconductor industry, extensive experience in sales, business development as well as product marketing to Odersun. He worked internationally in various executive positions, lastly for CoreOptics where he successfully set up international sales and product marketing activities and led cross-national teams. o “We are very excited that Uwe joins Odersun,” says Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, Chief Executive Officer of Odersun AG, “We will benefit significantly from Uwe Hering’s experience and understanding in developing new markets and his knowledge of introducing innovative technologies in customized products.” The implementation of the Chief Sales and Marketing function on board level underlines the importance of sales and product marketing for Odersun’s further development. „Odersun has a unique technology, which enables a customized range of products in the solar market. In light of that potential, I am very much looking forward to my new assignment and to helping shape Odersun’s exciting future,” says Uwe Hering about his new task. About Odersun AG (www.odersun.com) Odersun AG designs and manufactures flexible, silicon free, solar products using a proprietary, worldwide patented, thin-film technology. Its manufacturing process enables the company to produce solar cells that can be assembled into solar modules of virtually any size or any power, in flexible or glass packaging. This adaptability is decisive for applications of building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV). The company is backed by an international group of leading investors including Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures (UK), Virgin Green Fund (US/UK), Advanced Technology & Materials (China), PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund (US), AGF Private Equity (a member of Allianz Group, France) and Valor KG (Austria). BERLIN, Germany, 11 September 2009: Odersun AG, a German manufacturer of thin-film solar cells and modules, has been selected out of more than 3,500 candidates by a jury of experts as one of the 100 most promising cleantech companies worldwide. The “Global Cleantech 100” is compiled by The Guardian in cooperation with Cleantech Group. For the first time a ranking list has gathered a comprehensive international collection of “companies offering technological breakthroughs that will make a large dent in the carbon problem”. The central criteria required to enter the final listing, were that the technology has a wide application and has previously attracted capital investment to fund its development. Odersun AG has already been ranked top as “Europe’s hottest Cleantech Company” in The Guardian / Library House “CleanTech 100” in September 2008. “We are very honoured to be part of such an exclusive selection of companies having carbon reduction at heart. “, says Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, Chief Executive Officer at Odersun, “The integration capability of our modules, makes solar energy generation suitable for more and manifold applications worldwide such as solar integrated roofs and facades”. Odersun AG manufactures CIS (Copper Indium diSulphide) solar cells based on copper tape processed with a proprietary thin-film reel-to-reel production technology. The flexible solar reels can be assembled into modules of various sizes using a range of materials to package the cells. Due to this outstanding flexibility, the jury concluded, that Odersun modules’ “unique ability to be integrated en masse into the fabric of the building is a huge asset”. About Odersun AG (www.odersun.com) Odersun AG designs and manufactures flexible, silicon free, solar products using a proprietary, worldwide patented, thin-film technology. Its manufacturing process enables the company to produce solar cells that can be assembled into solar modules of virtually any size or any power, in flexible or glass packaging. This adaptability is decisive for applications of building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV). The company is backed by an international group of leading investors including Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures (UK), Virgin Green Fund (US/UK), Advanced Technology & Materials (China), PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund (US), AGF Private Equity (a member of Allianz Group, France) and Valor KG (Austria). BERLIN, Germany, April 27, 2009: Odersun AG, manufacturer of thin-film solar cells and modules, announces today the appointment of Mr. Peter van Bommel as its CFO and member of the board of management. Van Bommel brings more than 25 years of finance experience to Odersun. He served most of his time in executive finance functions within Philips and lastly as CFO and member of the board of management of NXP Semiconductors. He was material in the transition of Philips’ Semiconductors division into the newly founded company NXP Semiconductors, which was acquired from Philips by an international group of private equity firms. In 2008 Peter van Bommel was elected CFO of the Year for non-listed companies in the Netherlands. Early 2009 Peter van Bommel assumed the function of Odersun’s CFO on an interim base. “Odersun is entering an exciting stage, owns a unique technology and is strongly supported by an international group of investors who believe in this company. As their interim CFO, I worked closely with the team at Odersun over the last months, and I want to help shaping Odersun’s future development on a permanent basis”, says Peter van Bommel. “We highly welcome Peter van Bommel’s decision”, states Hein van der Zeeuw, Chief Executive Officer of Odersun AG, “We do not only win a very experienced CFO but also a company-wide well respected colleague.” The appointment of Peter van Bommel as CFO and member of the board of management of Odersun AG takes effect as from April 22, 2009. About Odersun AG (www.odersun.com) Odersun AG designs and manufactures flexible, silicon free, solar products using a proprietary, worldwide patented, thin-film technology. Its manufacturing process enables the company to produce solar cells that can be assembled into solar modules of virtually any size or any power, in flexible or glass packaging. This adaptability is decisive for applications of building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV). The company is backed by an international group of leading investors including Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures (UK), Virgin Green Fund (US/UK), Advanced Technology & Materials (China), PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund (US), AGF Private Equity (a member of Allianz Group, France) and Valor KG (Austria). FRANKFURT (ODER), Germany, January 7, 2009: Odersun AG, manufacturer of thin-film solar cells, modules and applications, today announced the appointment of Hein van der Zeeuw as Chief Executive Officer. Van der Zeeuw, who has a doctorate in physics, is a twenty-six year veteran of the electronic components and semiconductor industry and former Member of the Board of Management of NXP Semiconductors, which was spun out from Philips in 2006. Hein van der Zeeuw will lead Odersun’s growth phase. The appointment follows a succession of milestones achieved in recent years including the proof of concept followed by the installation of a first commercial production line and raising €61 million in equity financing, amongst others, to build the company’s 30 megawatt production facility. "The appointment of Hein van der Zeeuw is the beginning of an exciting new era, enabling us to strategically grow the company and to set the stage for long-term success," states George Powlick, Odersun Chairman. "Dr. van der Zeeuw’s operating experience and strategic insights, combined with Odersun’s exceptional technology and workforce, will allow us to drive Odersun to a market leadership position." Hein van der Zeeuw says, "Odersun is very well positioned to be a dominant player in the emerging and fast growing building integrated photovoltaic (BiPV) market. I’m looking forward to working with Odersun’s very high skilled and knowledgeable team. The company has a clear vision and possesses innovative technology. I’m impressed with its drive and determination to outperform competing technologies.” Dr. van der Zeeuw starts from today and succeeds Ramin Lavae Mokhtari, who was instrumental in developing Odersun from a research institute to a commercial enterprise with well established product and technological advantages. Mr. Mokhtari will leave Odersun at the end of January but remains connected as shareholder and consultant to the company. About Odersun AG (www.odersun.com) Odersun AG designs and manufactures flexible, silicon-free solar products using a proprietary, worldwide patented, thin-film technology. Its manufacturing process enables the company to produce low-cost solar cells that can be assembled into solar modules of virtually any size or any power, in flexible or glass packaging. SOLAR4building provides functional, cost efficient and aesthetic solutions for the next generation of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BiPV). SOLAR4power stands for cost efficient standard modules, designed for solar parks and roof-mounted systems. With SOLAR4you Odersun integrates innovative solar components into consumer products such as solar bags which function as “mobile plugs”. The company is backed by an international group of leading investors including Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures (UK), Virgin Green Fund (US/UK), Advanced Technology & Materials (China), PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund (US) and AGF Private Equity (a member of Allianz Group, France). Frankfurt (Oder), 8th August 2008 – Odersun AG, a developer and manufacturer of solar cells, modules and applications, has completed the delivery of customized thin-film solar modules for a building integrated photovoltaic (BiPV) project in Beijing, China. The trapezoidal modules form concentric rings on the roofs of four circular buildings belonging to the visitor center of the Olympic Park in Beijing. The unique design of the solar system challenged Odersun to look for new shapes when designing the modules for this project. Each circle is 12.5 meters in diameter and is made of 124 anthracite, shiny, thin-film modules encapsulated in a glass-film laminate. “This project shows how we can adapt the design and functionality of our modules to the local requirements of our customers and partners”, says Odersun CEO Ramin Lavae Mokhtari. For the construction of the circular plant Odersun designed trapezoidal modules of different sizes, thus demonstrating a new level of aesthetics in BiPV applications. The project was appointed by the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee (BOCOG) as a demonstration project of new solar energy technology and installed jointly by Advanced Technology and Materials Co., Ltd. (AT&M) a Chinese stock listed company leading in the manufacture of high-tech advanced materials. The project demonstrates the successful partnership between German and Chinese companies, for AT&M is not only an investor in Odersun but is also a strategic partner in the development of materials to be used in thin-film solar manufacturing. In China environmental issues are no longer neglected. Getting in shape for the Olympic Games 2008 does not only concern the construction of green sports facilities but is also marked by the pursuit for significant progress in what is referred to in the 11th, 5-year plan issued by the Republic of China’s government in 2006, as “building a resource-conserving and environment-friendly society“. About Odersun AG (www.odersun.com) Odersun AG designs and manufactures flexible, silicon-free, solar products using a proprietary, worldwide patented, thin-film technology. Its manufacturing process enables the company to produce low-cost solar cells that can be assembled into solar modules of virtually any size or any power, in flexible or glass packaging. SOLAR4building provides functional, cost efficient and aesthetic solutions for the next generation of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BiPV). SOLAR4power stands for cost efficient standard modules, designed for solar parks and roof-mounted systems. With SOLAR4you Odersun integrates innovative solar components into consumer products such as solar bags which function as “mobile plugs”. About Advanced Technology and Materials (www.atmcn.com) The Advanced Technology and Materials is focused on basic material research and development in many sectors. AT&M has been a strategic partner of Odersun in materials research for several years. The company is listed on the stock market in China with a market valuation of over €800 million. Frankfurt (Oder), 19 March, 2008 – The growth of the eastern German solar-region Brandenburg continues, as Odersun AG, developer and manufacturer of thin-film solar cells, modules and applications, broke ground today for its second solar factory “SunTwo” in Fürstenwalde/Spree in the presence of Wolfgang Tiefensee, Federal Minister for Transport, Building and Urban Affairs, State Secretary Clemens Appel and international investors from US, UK, France and China. SunTwo, a 30 MW-factory focused on the production of standard modules for solar parks and building integration, will provide up to 150 new jobs. „East Germany has the potential to emerge as the leading region of the solar industry. The economic revival in the new Laender is significantly accelerated by the creation of such competitive jobs“, states Minister Tiefensee. Frankfurt (Oder), February 1st, 2008 – Odersun AG, a leading developer and manufacturer of flexible thin-film CIS solar cells, modules and applications for power plants and building integrated solutions (BiPV), announced today that it has secured €61 million ($90 million) of funding, including €40 million from a Series B financing round and an additional €21 million in grants from the federal state of Brandenburg, to build its second factory SunTwo. The financing was led by Virgin Green Fund (US/UK) with participation from PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund (US) and AGF Private Equity (a member of Allianz Group, France), in addition to existing investors Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures (UK) and Advanced Technology & Materials (China). Odersun will use the funds to build its new factory. The solar company is focused on the mass production of standard solar modules based on a proprietary roll-to-roll manufacturing process at competitive prices. Its products are uniquely positioned to address the overall cost structure of solar power plants and the requirements of the fast growing market for building integrated photovoltaic (BiPV). “Our modules can be produced in any form, any size or any power, flexible or rigid, based on the individual design and the packaging requirements of our customers for power plants and building integration”, explains Odersun CEO Ramin Lavae Mokhtari. “We are very impressed by Odersun’s unique proven roll-to-roll manufacturing approach that is simple to produce and very cost effective in contrast to other approaches we have seen. We also believe that Odersun uniquely offers commercial real-estate developers integrated solar facades that produce electricity and are aesthetically appealing”, adds Shai Weiss, a Managing Partner of Virgin Green Fund, who also joins Odersun’s Supervisory Board. George Powlick, Chairman of Odersun AG and Managing Director of Series A lead investor Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures, said: “This investment will allow Odersun to rapidly expand its production capacity. The copper substrate process and its manufacturing equipment require no further scaling, which means Odersun can grow quickly by replicating the proven full-scale production line of SunOne.” Dr. Thomas Koschack, one of the founders of the company, will serve as Vice Chairman to the supervisory board. For further information, please contact: Korinna Penndorf Corporate Communications Odersun AG Phone: +49 (0)335 563 31 20 Mobile: +49 (0)172 238 01 10 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it About Odersun AG (www.odersun.com): Odersun AG designs and manufactures flexible, silicon-free, solar products using a proprietary, worldwide patented, thin-film technology. Its manufacturing process enables the company to produce low-cost solar cells that can be assembled into solar modules of virtually any size or any power, in flexible or glass packaging. SOLAR4building provides functional, cost efficient and aesthetic solutions for the next generation of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BiPV). SOLAR4power stands for cost efficient standard modules, designed for solar parks and roof-mounted systems. With SOLAR4you Odersun integrates innovative solar components into consumer products such as solar bags which function as “mobile plugs”. About Virgin Green Fund (www.virgingreenfund.com): Virgin Green Fund has been established to invest in companies in the renewable energy and resource efficiency sectors in the United States and Europe. Virgin Green Fund, with offices in London and San Francisco, is a sector-focused, multi-stage investment firm investing primarily in expansion capital opportunities with offices in London and San Francisco. The Fund has been launched with the backing of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, one of the best known investment and operational firms in the world. About AGF Private Equity (www.agfpe.com): With €2bn under management, AGF Private Equity, a member of Allianz Group, is specialized in non-listed investments. Over its 10 years of existence, the €350M venture capital arm of AGF Private Equity has invested in more than 50 companies and facilitated the success of European companies with significant, often global, growth potential in the IT, healthcare, and clean-tech sectors. About Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures (www.doughtyhanson.com): Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures aims to help talented entrepreneurs in Europe to build world-class technology companies. Founded in 2000, Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures is an early-stage, venture capital fund with $272 million under management. Operating from London and Munich, the Fund is independently managed by a dedicated team of professionals with substantial personal experience in the technology and financial sectors. The fund focuses on emerging technology sectors in the areas of software, hardware and clean technologies.Having established a long track record of successful venture capital investments in Europe and the United States, the team relies on its experience, personal networks and the resources of Doughty Hanson & Co, one of Europe’s largest independent private equity firms, to help identify and grow investment opportunities. About PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund: The PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund is a co-mingled fund of funds and co-investment vehicle dedicated to investing across the spectrum of the global clean energy and technology value chain. The fund is managed by a dedicated CleanTech investment team within PCG Asset Management, which oversees more than $15 billion of private equity commitments through a combination of fund-of-funds, separate accounts and advisory relationships and is based in La Jolla, California. About Advanced Technology and Materials (www.atmcn.com): The Advanced Technology and Materials is focused on basic material research and development in many sectors. AT&M has been a strategic partner of Odersun in materials research for several years. The company is listed on the stock market in China with a market valuation of over €800 million. Frankfurt (Oder). Just a small step for the copper tape, but a giant leap ahead for the region’s solar energy industry. Today, Wolfgang Tiefensee, Germany’s Transport Minister and Commissioner for the New Federal States, together with Brandenburg’s Minister President Matthias Platzeck and Managing Directors Ramin Lavae Mokhtari and Olaf Tober of Odersun AG, cut through a copper tape symbolizing the main production component at Odersun’s first commercial solar factory, “Sun One“. In the presence of Chinese and British investors and other guests the first of three solar companies to be based in Frankfurt (Oder) was opened for production at Im Technologiepark 7. “The Odersun AG plant is a prime example of how the photovoltaic industry is booming in the new states", Tiefensee declared. He continued that East Germany, with almost 30 companies, has become a leading location for this sector and that a highly-modern industrial network is establishing itself in the Frankfurt region. Five local companies supply Odersun AG. Odersun is creating 60 jobs in the production of copper-tape-based thin film solar cells and modules at “Sun One“. The second plant, “Sun Two“, will have six times the capacity and will be a model for further production facilities. The resource-saving, clean CISCuT (copper indium disulphide on copper tape) technology has been developed entirely in Frankfurt (Oder) since 1993. “Odersun’s enormous growth potential is its ability to tailor-make design, size, flexibility and performance of solar products to the customer’s needs“ is how Ramin Lavae Mokhtari, Managing Director of Odersun AG, describes the virtues of the process. Frankfurt (Oder). On 19 April 2007, Odersun AG will be opening "Sun One", its first solar plant in Frankfurt (Oder). Wolfgang Tiefensee, Federal Minister for Transport, Building and Urban Affairs and Government Commissioner for the New Federal States, will be opening the "Sun One" plant at Im Technologiepark 7 together with Brandenburg’s Minister President, Matthias Platzeck, at 3.30 pm in the presence of invited guests, before taking a tour of the plant and learning about the production of thin film solar modules. Up to 60 employees will soon be working in four shifts to produce around 6,000 kilometres of solar tapes annually at the "Sun One" plant. This corresponds to the distance Brandenburg - New York. The thin film solar modules on copper tape can be produced for use in cells of all sizes and quality for façades and roofs, solar power stations and designer bags with an integrated “power socket” without requiring special complicated and expensive silicon technology. Odersun AG’s thin film solar technology has been developed entirely in Frankfurt (Oder) over the past 14 years. "We are a real Brandenburg success story", Ramin Lavae Mokhtari, CCE of Odersun AG boasts. "With our patented, globally innovative technology and our flexible production process we offer tailor-made, economic solutions." Up to now, Odersun AG has invested 8.5 million euros in the project. The main equity providers are Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures from London and AT&M – Advanced Technology and Materials from Peking. The state of Brandenburg is assisting Odersun AG with 3.5 million euros financial aid. |
