BASF and centrotherm photovoltaics expand their joint development activities for novel chemical solutions addressing photovoltaic industry’s needs

* Joint development of chemicals required in manufacturing process of crystalline solar cells
* Commercialization of first products already expected in 2009

Ludwigshafen and Blaubeuren - BASF SE, centrotherm photovoltaics AG and its subsidiary GP Solar GmbH announced today that they have entered into an extended joint development agreement for chemicals required in the manufacturing process of crystalline solar cells. Under this program, BASF and centrotherm photovoltaics will strengthen their continuous development of tailor-made solutions to meet the requirements in producing more efficient solar cells. The collaboration started with its first phase in 2008. The first products ready for the market are expected within 2009.

“During the existing cooperation between centrotherm photovoltaics and BASF it became clear that both companies can largely benefit from each other. The process know-how of centrotherm photovoltaics combined with the chemical expertise of BASF is ideal to develop new and improved solutions for the photovoltaic industry” said Olaf Rogge, Manager Technology and Strategy, Electronic Materials, BASF SE. The first products derived from this partnership will improve texturing of solar cells in order to enhance their efficiency. At the same time customers will benefit from lower cost of ownership. With the new process texturing of the solar cell will take place at about room temperature, reducing the damage at grain boundaries and thus the rate of breakage. In addition, targeted surface structuring increases the overall electrical efficiency of the cell.

The project work is jointly carried out at the centrotherm-subsidiary’s research center in Konstanz, Germany and at BASF’s headquarters in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Beyond this project, both BASF and centrotherm photovoltaics are continuously evaluating further possibilities for collaboration to add value to the growing photovoltaic industry. “We strongly believe that this joint development program is an ideal starting point to a long-term collaboration, allowing both companies to extend their leading positions within the photovoltaic industry”, says Dr. Peter Fath, CTO of centrotherm photovoltaics.

About centrotherm photovoltaics AG:
centrotherm photovoltaics AG, which is based at Blaubeuren, is one of the world’s leading technology and service-providers for the manufacturing of solar cells and solar silicon. The broad product spectrum comprises key equipment and turnkey production lines for crystalline and thin-film solar cells. The product range is supplemented by reactors and converters for the manufacturing of solar silicon. Centrotherm photovoltaics guarantees its customers important performance parameters such as production capacity, degree of efficacy, and completion deadlines for turnkey lines. Including the most recent acquisition of centrotherm Thermal Solutions, centrotherm photovoltaics now employs around 900 persons at its locations at Blaubeuren, Burghausen, Constance, and Dresden. The company operates globally in Europe, Asia, and the USA. centrotherm photovoltaics achieved revenue in the 2007 financial year of EUR 166.2 million, EBIT of EUR 21.1 million, and is listed in the TecDax of the Frankfurt Securities Exchange.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has approximately 97 ,000 employees and posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.