News Article
Acquisition aims to drive down cost of PV cells for solar energy
Applied Materials, Inc. has announced that it has completed the acquisition of HCT Shaping Systems (HCT).
Applied Materials, Inc. has announced that it has completed the acquisition of HCT Shaping Systems (HCT). The acquisition expands Applied's portfolio of solutions for helping solar customers reduce the costs of manufacturing photovoltaic (PV) cells to make solar energy more competitive with grid electricity."This acquisition, combined with our production technology and global support infrastructure, will enable us to bring crystalline silicon solar manufacturing to a new level of efficiency and help drive down the cost-per-watt of solar power," said Mike Splinter, president and CEO of Applied Materials. "HCT's technology is critical to our roadmap since it complements our high-throughput deposition systems and will enable customers to scale up production and reduce costs."HCT is now part of Applied's new Precision Wafering Systems division, operating under the Solar Business Group headed by Charles Gay. Stefan Schneeberger, who has been appointed vice president and general manager of the Precision Wafering Systems division, commented, "We are excited to be part of Applied Materials. Our roadmaps are aligned with the goal of bringing new and advanced manufacturing technologies to reduce the cost of solar energy. Together, we will help customers to reduce the grams of silicon needed per watt, while significantly improving their productivity."
