Working together at ENN’s facility in Langfang, China, ENN and Applied achieved this milestone just five months after equipment installation. These ultra-large PV panels are nearly four times larger than conventional modules on the market and use Applied’s tandem junction technology to deliver higher conversion efficiencies, according to the companies.

“By combining the high efficiency of tandem junction technology with ultra-large 5.7m2 substrates, we’re able to deliver modules that dramatically reduce installed cost per watt,” said Dr. Rick Wan, General Manager of ENN Solar. “Our close association with Applied Materials has enabled ENN to build a winning platform, combining our next-generation solar technology with our world-class manufacturing capability.”

“We are committed to delivering the highest level of technology innovation and manufacturing excellence to our customers,” said Dr. Randhir Thakur, senior vice president and general manager of Applied Materials’ SunFab Thin Film Solar and Display Business Group. “ENN’s rapid ramp from equipment installation to producing tandem junction panels is an example of the unique capabilities that Applied delivers – unparalleled research and development, technology and manufacturing innovation, and global service and support for our customers.”

Surface Power in County Mayo says it plans to create 20 new jobs over the next 12 months with the launch and international distribution of its breakthrough product.

Independent Certification by TUV Rhineland – the world’s leading testing house – has shown that when compared to other leading solar panels the Irish developed panel was in one case as much as 131% more efficient in morning and evening time and 76% more efficient at midday.

Surface Power estimates that the product, which has undergone six years of development and testing, has the potential to reduce domestic and commercial hot water bills by up to 70% if insulation standards meet new building regulations.

Company founder John Quinn believes that having a very good product result will help drive growth and jobs for the company in 2009.

“The market for the solar collector was worth in excess of one billion dollars in 2008 and has grown by 300% since 1998. We received over 400 enquiries from the USA alone last month after the specifications were released during the Christmas period. We also expect the international home renovation market to be very strong during the next three years, as our collector is the only pre-packaged vacuum collector on the world market. This leads to quicker, simpler and cheaper installations” added Mr. Quinn.

He continued, “Our solar panel has been compared to 52 other collectors which hold the prestigious Solar Keymark certification and the results of the comparative testing are excellent. The biggest difference that was achieved in comparison results was that against flat plate collectors. It is great to see the end of a product development cycle and a huge spike in enquiries from the renovation market in Europe and USA, we have several more products in development and plan to release one per year. ”

Outlining the benefits of using the solar panel, Mr. Quinn stated, “The solar panel is a hot water type designed specifically for the retrofit market although it is perfectly suitable also for new builds. It was designed to deal specifically with Irish climatic conditions such as wind, rain and cloud. Solar hot water can be used in domestic homes and commercial applications such as shower rooms, hotels and swimming pools. It may be classified as new technology and simpler to use and install but it is not more expensive to produce. Its cost per kW is its biggest advantage while it can generate up to 70% savings on hot water bills when coupled with an insulation upgrade, we can reduce the cost of achieving a solar installation by 50% when measured against efficiency.”

Established in 2003, Surface Power is targeting key world export markets for renewable Commodity products. The Údarás na Gaeltachta and Enterprise Ireland-backed firm has played a central role in the development of the domestic Renewable sector, especially micro generation.

For more see www.surfacepower.ie.