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Ascent Solar Technologies Inc of Littleton, CO, USA, which manufactures copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic modules, has signed a definitive cooperation agreement with its strategic partner Hydro of Norway, a supplier of aluminum building systems, that fortifies their relationship and focuses on new products, commercial manufacturing and European market presence.

The Hydro Building Systems division’s Brise Soleil line of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products (incorporating Ascent’s flexible solar modules) was announced in September, and designs and prototypes were unveiled to the construction industry at November’s BATIMAT international building expo in Paris, France.

Now, in anticipation of the start up of Ascent’s 1.5MW pilot-scale production in 2008 (after completing equipment installation earlier in December, for initial operation in January ), Hydro and Ascent have agreed to collaborate on the development of BIPV products. The Brise Soleil line is expected to be the first of many applications to be covered by the agreement. Ascent intends to supply Hydro with products during the pilot phase so that Hydro can develop and satisfy market demand. Hydro will also have an option to purchase quantities of Ascent’s annual production when it achieves a capacity of 25MW. Ascent plans to order equipment for its first 25MW line in second-quarter 2008, for completion by the end of 2009.

Hydro has agreed to assist Ascent by providing manufacturing and engineering expertise, as well as project management assistance. It also intends to assist Ascent in siting a potential second commercial production facility in Europe, as well as helping it establish strategic alliances with players in the European solar industry.
Hydro currently holds a 23% stake in Ascent and has an option to acquire up to 35%.

See related items:

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Ascent Solar awarded DoE contract for high-rate CIGS process development

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Ascent Solar shareholders approve increase in Norsk Hydro stake from 23% to 35%

Energy producer Hydro invests in Ascent Solar for CIGS-based flexible solar cells

Search: Photovoltaic cells CIGS

Visit: www.ascentsolar.com

Visit: www.hydro.com