NEWS THIS MONTH
Vikram Solar Collaborations with European Partners Within the framework of the Make in India initiative, solar company Vikram Solar has begun three new collaborations with leading international research institutes and technology companies from Germany and Switzerland. The partnerships are intended to further optimize the module production technology at Vikram, make preparations for cell manufacturing at the company, and establish a solar academy in India. Memorandums of understanding were signed to this effect with Fraunhofer ISE and the companies Meyer Burger and Centrotherm photovoltaics at the world's largest industrial trade show, Hannover Messe. Fraunhofer ISE in Germany is the biggest solar research institute in Europe, and will assist Vikram Solar with the research and development of industrial scale crystalline silicon solar cell and module processing. The aim is to help Vikram to rapidly expand its manufacturing capability and emerge as one of the largest integrated players in the solar industry. In addition, Fraunhofer and Vikram Solar are set to collaborate on establishing a solar academy in India, which will serve
Signing of MoUs at Hannover Messe 2015: F.l.T.R.: Thorsten Herdan (Director General for policy & heating and efficiency ñ German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs), Dr. Upendra Tripathy (Secretary MNRE), Michael Escher (CCO, Meyer Burger), Dr. Ing. Josef Haase (Sr. VP Technology & Sales PV, Centrotherm), Ivan Saha (President & CTO, Vikram Solar), Gerhard Stryi ñ Hipp (Head of Energy Policy, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE)
to impart technical knowledge, expertise, and practical training in solar energy systems. Fraunhofer will deploy technicians and experts to provide knowledge and training to the aspiring individuals of the solar academy. Headquartered in Switzerland, Meyer Burger is a leading global technology group delivering systems, production equipment and fully integrated system solutions and services along the entire photovoltaic value chain. Vikram Solar already uses Meyer Burger production equipment. In order to further strengthen this relationship, Vikram Solar and Meyer Berger signed an MoU for the provision of selected solar cell and module manufacturing equipment and for collabora-
tion on process improvements in solar cell and module manufacturing, as well as research & development for materials, processes, and device technologies. Centrotherm AG is a world-class manufacturer of cell production equipment and provides solutions for different levels of expertise across the crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturing value creation chain, specifically for processes, technology, systems, and applications. Within the scope of their partnership, Vikram Solar and Centrotherm have agreed to collaborate by using Centrotherm's production equipment and manufacturing expertise to improve cell efficiency and productivity ■
Orb Energy Crosses 100 branches in Karnataka Orb Energy (“Orb”) announced that it has surpassed more than 100 branches in Karnataka. From its branch network Orb sells, installs and services solar energy systems for electricity and hot water for both residential and commercial customers. Orb designs, and manufactures its own range of solar systems from its head office in Bangalore. Damian Miller, the Chief Executive Officer of Orb, said: "Orb is in the process of building
8 SmartEnergy May/ June 2015
the largest branch network for solar energy in India. Our unique approach ensures that our products are sold, installed and serviced at optimal quality. Our objective is that customers should experience the best solar systems available, coupled with expert installation and reliable after-sales service” Orb’s branch network in Karnataka covers not only the major towns and cities in the state but also small towns and rural areas.
In addition to serving urban customers, Orb also serves rural customers where solar helps struggling families and businesses to reduce their energy expenditure and have a more reliable form of energy. With a total of 105 branches now in Karnataka, Orb sees that the state could have more than 150 branches by the end of this fiscal year. The company is now in the process of establishing more branches in and around Bangalore where it is yet to establish its presence ■ www.supersmartenergy.com