[Thalheim, Germany, October 12, 2023] Since 2017, Cell Engineering (CE) developed its proprietary Laser Enhanced Contact Optimization (LECO) technology. In the past five years, CE and Qcells have collaborated closely to bring this LECO technology to mass production readiness.
This close collaboration has resulted in proven cell efficiency gains of 0.2%abs - 0.5%abs – via the utilization of LECO both for PERC and TOPCon cells in mass production. This outstanding result is achieved via a lean and cost-effective laser treatment with high throughput.
Based on this fruitful and successful cooperation, the two companies decided to join forces, resulting in Qcells acquiring CE in October 2022. Qcells is now the 100% shareholder of CE and the LECO intellectual property rights.
Jörg Müller, Head of Qcells’ R&D Center, said: “After working very closely with CE, the acquisition of the company by Qcells felt like the next logical step in order to fulfill the complete potential of the LECO technology.”
“We are very glad to be part of the Qcells company,” added Patrick Müller, MD of CE. “This acquisition will help to speed up the development of LECO technology.”
Both partners see the deep potential of the proprietary LECO technology in the manufacture of high efficient solar cells in the coming years.
Danielle Merfeld, Qcells Global CTO, commented: “Qcells and CE are open to sharing the benefits of LECO technology within the solar industry, including with competitors.
“However, Qcells does not tolerate any unlawful usage of the LECO technology, and is fully committed to defending its intellectual property rights to ensure that the solar industry can continue to pursue its research and development activities with confidence.”
About Qcells – Completely Clean Energy
Qcells is one of the world’s leading clean energy companies, recognized for its established reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance, high-quality solar cells and modules, portfolio of intelligent storage systems, and growing international pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects. Qcells also provides renewable electricity retail services and packages to end customers the world over. The company is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ) with its diverse international manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Malaysia, China, and South Korea. Qcells offers Completely Clean Energy through the full spectrum of photovoltaic products, storage solutions, renewable electricity contracting and large-scale solar power plants. Through its growing global business network spanning Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Africa and the Middle East, Qcells provides excellent services and long-term partnerships to its customers in the utility, commercial, governmental and residential markets. For more information, visit: http://www.q-cells.eu.
Safe-Harbor Statement
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Contact:
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Corporate Communications
Oliver Beckel, Ian Clover
Tel: +49 (0)3494 6699 10121
E-mail: presse@q-cells.com