Photovoltaic Technology Intellectual Property Pty Ltd. (PTiP) has launched its pilot production line for copper indium gallium di-selenide (CIGS) thin-film solar modules in South Africa. Germany-based Singulus Technologies supplied engineering technology and support for the production processes.
PTiP, a spin-off from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), established its demonstration plant in the Techno Park near Stellenbosch, South Africa, to commercialize research and development of work. The facility has received financial support of the South African government.
‘The immediate goal is to set up a commercially viable production plant for CIGS thin-film modules in South Africa in order to supply products with high local content to existing and future PV projects in South Africa,’ says Vivian Alberts, CEO of PTiP. ‘The European Investment Bank already announced its support for the establishment of a PTiP production plant and the mass production of PV modules.’
