SEMI hands coordination of Technology Roadmap for PV to VDMA
"We look forward to further promoting the ITRPV. We have supported SEMI's roadmapping activities already for the last few years and we can continue our work on an excellent basis. The key to success for long-term competitiveness of photovoltaics lies in consistent technological development. We are convinced that ITRPV is a valuablel contribution here", says Dr. Florian Wessendorf, Managing Director of VDMA Photovoltaic Equipment
An essential element of ITRPV is the identification of cost reduction potential along the crystalline value added chain. The roadmap identifies cost reduction in regard to material, innovative production processes and the transitions towards high-efficiency concepts as essential steps to boost the competitiveness of photovoltaics. That is exactly the direction VDMA is heading for with ITRPV.
"We are glad to have found an association that will ensure a professional continuation of this activity. We are sure that the initiative we have started is useful and that the photovoltaics industry needs an independent technology roadmap", says Stephan Raithel, Managing Director SEMI Europe.
VDMA and SEMI have cooperated in various projects with regard to photovoltaics production. For example, in 2013 a joint guideline for cost of ownership calculations has been published. Both associations together are issuing the Global PV Manufacturing Equipment Book-to-Bill Report. Moreover, they closely cooperate in terms of conferences and trade shows.
Currently, approximately 100 VDMA member companies are active in the photovoltaic sector. The topic started in 2007 as a co-operation between the following VDMA divisions: Electronics Production (Productronics), Glass Technology, Energy, Organic Electronics, Robotics and Automation, Laser and Photonics, Surface Treatment, Vacuum Technology and Displays. With the foundation of the enlarged platform Photovoltaic Equipment on March 30, 2010, activities for members have been extended and the visibility of the industry has been increased.
The German Engineering Federation represents more than 3,100 companies in the engineering industry, many of which are small and medium sized enterprises. With currently about 1,006,000 employees all over Germany (as of February 2015) and a sales turnover of 212 billion Euros (in 2014) the engineering sector is the biggest employer and one of the leading sectors of German industry.
