DGAP-News: Q-Cells SE: Next generation of solar modules with seal of quality for higher yields and improved security


DGAP-News: Q-Cells SE / Key word(s): Product Launch/Miscellaneous
Q-Cells SE: Next generation of solar modules with seal of quality for
higher yields and improved security

08.06.2011 / 07:00

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PRESS RELEASE ON INTERSOLAR 2011

Q-Cells SE: Next generation of solar modules with seal of quality for
higher yields and improved security

  - Q-Cells develops unique seal of quality for improved security and
    higher yields: 'Q-Cells YIELD SECURITY'

  - Q-Cells presents comprehensive range of modules for varied applications


  - Q-Cells starts market activation programme to support sales of the new
    product generation

Bitterfeld-Wolfen / Munich (Germany), June 8, 2011 - From June 8 to 10,
leading international photovoltaics company Q-Cells SE presents its new
generation of crystalline solar cells and modules at booth 270, hall 2, at
Intersolar, the biggest industry trade fair in the world. Highlights will
be the next-generation polycrystalline solar module Q.PRO, the
monocrystalline, highly efficient premium module Q.PEAK, which will make
its debut at Intersolar, as well as optimised Q.SMART CIGS thin-film
modules. Based on enhanced cell and thin-film technology, the new
generation of Q-Cells products offers customers improved security and
higher yields across the entire portfolio, ranging from cells to modules
and systems. This promise is anchored in 'Q-Cells YIELD SECURITY', the new
seal of quality issued by Q-Cells. It is complemented by the new linear
performance guarantee.


The next generation of solar products with 'Q-Cells YIELD SECURITY' -
maximum yields and triple security

The next generation of solar cells and modules stands out by higher
efficiency and the newly developed seal of quality, 'Q-Cells YIELD
SECURITY'. It applies to the enhanced cell concept and combines three
quality features: Next-generation crystalline solar cells and modules are
PID-free, protected against hot spots and can be traced across the entire
value chain due to their individual coding. Q-Cells developed an innovative
Anti PID technology, protecting solar cells and thus all modules against
potential induced degradation, which could reduce output by up to 20%.
Q-Cells also inspects products in ongoing production for material defects
that could cause overheating - so-called hot spots. The procedure of
identifying low-quality cells and removing them from the process has been
tested and proved itself for years. All solar cells made by Q-Cells are
provided with a unique laser code. Cell coding is realised by means of the
Tra.QTM laser signature technology, developed and patented by Q-Cells. It
ensures that all products can be transparently tracked across the entire
value chain. This increases Q-Cells' service quality in case of warranty
claims, supports the recycling process and protects consumers against
counterfeits. 'Q-Cells YIELD SECURITY' gives customers a quality promise
that is unequalled in the domestic and international market. And Q-Cells
even adds an extended guarantee. As of now, Q-Cells issues its customers
with a linear performance guarantee of 25 years, distinguishing itself from
its competitors. For crystalline modules, Q-Cells guarantees output at more
than 83% of their original performance after 25 years, exceeding the market
average by 3%. All Q.SMART CIGS modules keep their performance at 100%
during the first three years and achieve more than 85% of rated output at
the end of the guarantee period. Q-Cells also issues a product guarantee of
ten years for all solar modules.


Q-Cells presents comprehensive range of highly efficient modules for varied
applications

In addition to Q-Cells' threefold quality promise, the next generation of
solar cells and modules also offers higher yields. Highly efficient solar
cells from Q-Cells are the basis for the next generation of solar modules.
The polycrystalline Q.PRO solar module has a rated output of up to 250
watts. The new highly-efficient monocrystalline module Q.PEAK consists of
60 monocrystalline 6-inch solar cells. It is the most powerful module of
its kind in the international market, achieving output of up to 260 watts.
Due to the use of full-square mono cells, this high performer generates up
to 3% higher yields compared to conventional modules with pseudo-square
mono cells. The Q.SMART module series rounds off Q-Cells' module portfolio.
Q.SMART solar modules from Q-Cells are based on CIGS thin-film technology
and mark efficiency records in the field of thin-film modules. The Q.SMART
UF solar module recently set a new world record, reaching an efficiency of
14.7% on aperture area. The result was confirmed by independent Fraunhofer
ISE (Institute for Solar Energy Systems). Q.SMART modules are also issued
with the Q-Cells YIELD SECURITY seal of quality. Q-Cells not only provides
PID-protection but also offers Additional Power Boost (APB), an increase in
output by up to 15%. Positive sorting and the light soaking effect, a
proven benefit of thin-film technology, enable this boost in performance.
This means that buyers of Q.SMART modules get more output than they paid
for. Q.SMART modules are suitable for diverse applications due to their
outstanding low-light behaviour and performance at unfavourable angles.
Q-Cells sums up the benefits of these varied application options with the
term 360  efficiency (TDE - Three hundred and sixty Degree Efficiency).

The extensive range of modules makes a variety of applications available to
Q-Cells' international customers, including ground-mounted systems,
residential east-west roof-top installations, industrial ground-mounted
units, carport systems and building integrated installations.


Q-Cells supports partners with market activation programme and Solar Truck
road show

Q-Cells has launched the market activation programme PRO.MAP. The goal is
to establish a uniform marketing approach, actively supporting customers
and partners in selling Q-Cells solar modules. Q-Cells offers its partners
qualified trainings and coaching within the scope of PRO.MAP, supplies
extensive marketing material to boost sales activities and supports their
presentations at trade fairs. To mark the launch of this market activation
programme, Q-Cells has initiated a Solar Truck road show through Europe.
The Q-Cells truck functions as a mobile show room, travelling from Italy
via Germany, Switzerland and Belgium to France. From July to October,
partners can use the truck to organise 'in-house exhibitions' on site and
present Q-Cells' products in their individual core markets. An exhibition
venue on wheels, the truck is more than a platform to showcase products.
Trainings will also be offered directly in the truck. The Q-Cells truck was
designed by German designer Luigi Colani. It combines attractive,
futuristic elements and is shaped aerodynamically, reducing petrol
consumption by up to 25% compared to other trucks of its kind.

At Intersolar 2011, Q-Cells is presenting a full range of innovative,
profitable modules for varied applications, securing excellent quality
through the unique 'Q-Cells YIELD SECURITY' seal of quality. An estimated
75,000 thousands visitors will attend the biggest international industry
trade fair in Munich. The Q-Cells stand is located in hall A2, booth 270.
We are looking forward to seeing you.


PRESS CONTACT
Q-Cells SE
OT Thalheim, Sonnenallee 17-21
06766 Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany
WEB www.q-cells.com

Q-Cells Corporate Communications
Alberta Rohardt, Daniel Paul Schreiter
TEL (+49) 03494 6699.10121
FAX (+49) 03494 6699.10000
EMAIL presse@q-cells.com

Q-Cells Investor Relations
Stefan Lissner
TEL (+49) 03494 6699.10101
FAX (+49) 03494 6699.10000
EMAIL investor@q-cells.com 

About Q-Cells SE
The Q-Cells Group is one of the world's leading photovoltaics companies and
offers a wide range of photovoltaic solutions, from solar cells and modules
to solar power plants. Q-Cells's products are developed and manufactured at
its headquarters in Bitterfeld-Wolfen (Germany) and marketed via its global
sales network. It also has a second production plant in Malaysia. More than
200 scientists and engineers at Q-Cells are working to swiftly advance
solar technology and achieve Q-Cells' twin aims: driving down the costs of
photovoltaics quickly and permanently, and making solar power competitive.
The close links between R&D and production enable Q-Cells to rapidly
translate cutting-edge innovation into mass production - and underpin its
ambition to be at the forefront of photovoltaic technology. Q-Cells is
quoted on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (QCE; ISIN DE0005558662) and also
listed on the TecDAX, the German technology index.

Executive Board: Dr Nedim Cen (CEO), Dr Marion Helmes (CFO), Hans-Gerd
Füchtenkort (CSO)
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Prof Dr Karlheinz Hornung


End of Corporate News

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Language:    English                                                
Company:     Q-Cells SE                                             
             Sonnenallee 17-21, OT Thalheim                         
             06766 Bitterfeld-Wolfen                                
             Deutschland                                            
Phone:       +49 (0)3494 - 6699-0                                   
Fax:         +49 (0)3494 - 6699-199                                 
E-mail:      q-cells@q-cells.com                                    
Internet:    www.q-cells.com                                        
ISIN:        DE0005558662, Wandelanleihe 2012: DE000A0LMY64,        
             Wandelanleihe 2014: DE000A1AGZ06, Wandelanleihe 2015:  
             DE000A1E8HF6                                           
WKN:         555866                                                 
Listed:      Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard);       
             Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München,   
             Stuttgart                                              
 
 
End of News    DGAP News-Service  
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