Applied Materials,
Inc., the global leader in Nanomanufacturing Technology™ solutions
with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products
for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat panel displays, solar photovoltaic
cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient glass, announced today that
it has acquired substantially all the assets, including the intellectual property,
of Advent Solar, Inc. for an undisclosed cash amount. Advent Solar is a developer
of advanced technology for crystalline silicon (c-Si) PVs. This acquisition
is expected to complement Applied's portfolio of solar PV technologies and enhance
its leadership in the c-Si equipment market.
Advent Solar has pioneered several innovations for producing c-Si cells and
modules, including technology for streamlining module assembly processes and
advanced efficiency device architectures. The company, founded in 2002, is headquartered
in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“We believe the acquisition of Advent Solar will increase our opportunities
to provide innovative solutions for reducing module production costs,”
said Dr. Mark Pinto, chief technology officer and general manager of Applied's
Energy and Environmental Solutions Group. “Combining Advent Solar's
PV technology with Applied's expertise in automated wafering and cell
production equipment, we expect to deliver systems that will enhance customers'
c-Si roadmaps and accelerate the reduction in cost per watt of solar electricity.”
After the close of this transaction, Advent Solar's assets will be integrated
with Applied's Energy and Environmental Solutions Group.