News Article
Applied Ventures invests in solar wafer manufacturer Solaicx
Applied Ventures, LLC has announced that it has invested $3.0 million in Solaicx, a private manufacturer of single-crystal silicon wafers for the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry.
Solaicx plans to use the investment to expand its business with a second U.S. manufacturing site, scheduled for 2007 operation.
Solaicx’s technology is based on proprietary, continuous Czochralski (CZ) crystal growing methodology that enables high-volume manufacturing of ingots for conversion into solar wafers.
“Our investment in Solaicx aligns well with Applied Materials’ solar strategy and enables Applied to expand its presence in the solar value chain,” said J. Christopher Moran, vice president and general manager of Applied Ventures. “Solaicx meets requirements in offering improved manufacturing technology to facilitate the streamlined manufacturing of solar cell wafers.”
“Having Applied Materials as an investor and a willing resource as we execute our manufacturing expansion is extraordinarily valuable,” said Bob Ford, president and CEO. “Solaicx plans to use Applied Materials’ equipment and manufacturing expertise to assist in fully capitalizing on our market opportunities.”