Following the successful launch of REC Group’s Alpha solar panel at Intersolar Europe in May 2019, the Swiss solar panel manufacturer announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding for a strategic collaboration with solar cell technology developer Meyer Burger. REC plans to further leverage the pair’s existing collaboration.

“Together with Meyer Burger, REC developed the industry’s flagship panel, the Alpha,” said REC Group CEO Steve O’Neil. “We are confident that strengthening our partnership with Meyer Burger will further drive innovation and higher efficiencies, the only way to strongly empower consumers with clean and affordable solar energy and accelerate energy autonomy of communities worldwide.”

REC will increase its 600-MW heterojunction technology (HJT) and SmartWireConnection Technology (SWCT) production capacity for Alpha in Singapore, using equipment from Meyer Burger, to multiple gigawatts in cooperation with a potential strategic partner. REC is actively reviewing potential partners for the expansion.

With HJT, REC combines the benefits of crystalline silicon solar cells with those of thin-film technologies for much higher efficiency and energy yield, even at higher temperatures, with its new Alpha series of modules.

In exchange for adequate exclusivity protection for specific HJT and SWCT technology, REC is in principle prepared to enter into a profit-sharing agreement with Meyer Burger. The terms for this will be agreed by the companies and their respective Boards.

“As the leading premium and integrated non-Chinese solar panel manufacturer, and with its reputation for operational excellence, REC is the ideal partner to continue the commercialization of Meyer Burger’s high efficiency PV technologies,” commented HansBrändle, CEO of Meyer Burger.

News item from REC