Thin Film manufacturers have placed orders with Smit Ovens for 20 production systems.

Smit Ovens has seen strong sales growth for its thermal solutions for high volume thin-film solar production so far in 2011.

The company has sealed deals for 16 atmospheric pressure thermal tools for CdTe production and claims this makes it the market leader for this equipment base in this field.

Smit Ovens has also sold four of its second generation in-line selenization tools for CIGS production in 2011.

“We believe that thin film solar has a great future. And our deals with leading companies show that they share our belief that now is the time to invest in this technology," says Wiro Zijlmans, CEO, Smit Ovens. “The challenge for manufacturers is to move into high volumes with consistently high yields. We’ve proven that our thermal systems and processes can deliver this vital high performance for industrial production."

Looking ahead, Smit Ovens foresees continued strong sales in this sector, with a book to bill ratio of more than two in September 2011.

Smit Ovens is exhibiting at the 26th EU PVSEC, at the CCH Congress Centre and International Fair Hamburg, Germany between 5 and 8 September 2011 in Hall A4, stand B22.