Enhancing Science Partnerships for Innovation and Sustainable Development

The research institution in Stellenbosch of Photovolatic Technology Intellectual Property (Pty) Limited (PTIP) is planned to be expanded. Recent technological developments have been presented during the opening of the "German-South African Year of Science" presented in Cape Town.

The German company "Singulus Technologies" reports an additional order in the Solar segment. A long-time cooperation partner for the development of new, more efficient CIGS thin-film solar modules ordered several machines for more than € 7 million for vacuum coating, selenization as well as wet-chemical processes. With this investment, Photovoltaic Technology Intellectual Property (Pty) Limited (PTIP) extends its activities in the development of efficient CIGS thin-film solar modules.

PTIP is a spin-off from the University of Johannesburg and already successfully operates research machines for the development of CIGS thin-film cells in its newly established research and development facility in Techno Park close to Stellenbosch in South Africa. SINGULUS has cooperated successfully with the scientists of the University of Johannesburg for some years and already has delivered components in 2011. Various companies are currently using PTIP’s R&D results and patents worldwide. The activities as well as the results were already presented by the PTIP in this year’s April in the course of the opening of the “German-South Africa Year of Science” in Cape Town.

"Climate Change" is one of the core themes of this Year. PTIP intends to further expand the research facilities in Stellenbosch and to commission a development and laboratory line for CIGS modules in the original commercial size of 1200 x 600 mm. The development efforts are in the limelight of the South African government. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) recently supported the further expansion of PTIP’s operations in Techno Park and acquired substantial shareholding in PTIP.  Additional financial support was obtained from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology.

Prof. Vivian Alberts, CEO of PTIP, comments: "The support by the IDC and TIA confirms the goal of the South African government to support locally developed IP and to boost alternative and renewable energies, such as photovoltaic. With this support PTIP is now in the position to invest in proven and well engineered equipment and process plants. We are now able to industrially and efficiently implement our developed process with the machines of our partner SINGULUS. The goal is to set up a production line for CIGS thin-film modules in South Africa as soon as possible".