For the first time, the photovoltaic (PV) market has reached a point of saturation where supply exceeded demand despite the fact that falling silicon prices, higher cell efficiency and productivity were stimulating the market. However, it’s only a matter of time until the second wave of strong demand will come.

The PV Fab Managers Forum in Berlin, Germany from March 7-9 will discuss the challenges of PV manufacturing and offer a unique platform in which to collaborate, cooperate and seek solutions to the most critical PV manufacturing issues. The event is not just another conference. It is a forum to discuss the "burning challenges" of PV production between fab managers and equipment suppliers. It will address questions like, “What are the critical drivers to initiate a long-term PV growth? What’s the common denominator for PV in terms of a long-term Roadmap comparable to the Moore’s law?”

The event begins with a March 7^th Welcome Reception. On March 8^th, after the opening by Heinz Kundert (SEMI PV Group), and keynotes speeches from Winfried Hoffmann (EPIA), Prof. Rolf Brendel (ISFH), Prof. Hans-Werner Schock (Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin), attendees will break into workshops where they will address specific challenging issues.

• Crystalline Cells: Roadmap to Advance Crystalline Cell Technology” with Chair: Peter Wawer, senior VP of Technology at Q-Cells, with presenters from: Arise, Bosch Solar Energy, Roth & Rau, SolarWorld Innovations, SCHOTT Solar
• Thin Film Panels: “Status, Applications and Competitiveness of Thin Film Technology” Chair: Prof. Bernd Rech, head of Si PV at Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin with presenters from Applied Materials Solar Business, Würth Solar GmbH & Co. KG, Sulfurcell, Inventux, and First Solar (invited)
• Module Manufacturing: “Main Challenges in Module Manufacturing” Panel.
  Chair: Patrick Hofer-Noser, CEO at 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG, with presenters from: TÜV Rheinland, Centrotherm Photovoltaics, Spire Corp., Solon SE, FhG ISE, and 3S Swiss Solar Systems.

• Status PV Standardization: Chair: Prof. Werner Bergholz, professor of Electrical Engineering at Jacobs University Bremen with panelists from SEMI PV Group, PV Crystalox and EPIA Board, and Centrotherm.
• Grand Panel of Industry Experts on PV Directions: Chair: Prof. Eicke Weber, director at Fraunhofer ISE, with panelists from Centrotherm Photovoltaics, EuPD Research, EPIA, Sulfurcell, Q-Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, and Q-Cells.

• Sulfurcell
• Solon
• Helmholtz Institute

To register or learn more about participating in this unique event, visit PV Fab Manager’s Forum. Note that conference fees (for members and non-members) increase beginning on 21 February.

Register now and join us and be a part of this important executive forum. See you in Berlin!

January 29, 2010