Applied Materials, Inc. announced today that it has signed a five-year contract with ENN Solar Energy Co., Ltd. to support ENN's solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing facility in Langfang, China, which features an Applied SunFab Thin Film Line. Through its highly flexible SunFab Performance Service program, Applied will provide ENN with continuous operating cost reductions while enabling optimal performance from the SunFab production line at a predictable cost that scales with factory loading. Applied's SunFab Performance Service program has been selected by all of Applied's customers currently producing single and tandem junction modules on SunFab lines.
"ENN sees joining with Applied Global Services as a powerful strategy to optimize the return on our investment in our SunFab line," said Dr. Rick Wan, General Manager of ENN Solar. "This agreement will allow us to replace much of our fixed cost infrastructure with a variable alternative that can flex as the market changes. This flexibility will free us to focus on successfully delivering high-performance, low-cost modules to our customers, helping them win in the marketplace."
"We believe the combination of the revolutionary SunFab Thin Film Line and SunFab Performance Service delivers the fastest path to the lowest cost-per-watt and maximized megawatt output," said Charlie Pappis, vice president and general manager of Applied Global Services. "The fact that all of our SunFab customers producing modules have selected SunFab Performance Service for ongoing support is a strong testament to the value proposition we offer."
Under the agreement, Applied will leverage its dedicated, world-class service infrastructure to provide ENN's SunFab Thin Film Line with preventive and corrective maintenance, spare parts management, and analytical services. Using an unmatched range of engineering, logistics and automation software technologies, highly experienced local support experts will optimize equipment performance, maximize manufacturing output and assure consistent cell characteristics. In addition, Applied and ENN will work together to develop continuous improvement programs that aim to increase module efficiency and lower operating costs.