New Record for Oerlikon Solar`s Micromorph® Technology

Oerlikon Solar Achieves Record Thin Film Silicon Efficiency and Power Output

* Demonstrates ability by Oerlikon Solar to achieve greater than 11 percent
conversion efficiency (151 Watts)
* Reinforces Oerlikon Solar`s technological lead
* Marks key milestone in Oerlikon Solar`s grid parity strategy

MUNICH--(Business Wire)--
Oerlikon Solar, the world`s leading supplier of thin film silicon photovoltaic
(PV) production equipment, today announced that it has achieved a new record
efficiency level for commercial thin film silicon PV modules. Recent test
results from Oerlikon Solar`s pilot production line in Switzerland show that
full-size Micromorph modules (1.4 m2) have 151 Watts initial power, or 11
percent initial power conversion efficiency. This result sets a new industry
record for production thin film silicon modules. Oerlikon Solar was able to
consistently reproduce modules with similar record results, demonstrating a
stable and scalable process. "This achievement clearly demonstrates Oerlikon
Solar`s technical leadership and is another key milestone on our path to grid
parity", stated Jeannine Sargent, CEO of Oerlikon Solar. Oerlikon Solar has
previously announced an ambitious production cost target of USD 0.70 per Watt
peak and is on track to achieve this target by end of 2010. Increased module
efficiency and power are key contributors to this goal.

The excellent performance of the record modules demonstrates the advantage of
Oerlikon Solar`s end to end manufacturing solution. Oerlikon Solar`s advanced PV
technologies and process integration know-how result in an optimized
manufacturing solution that is able to achieve higher conversion efficiencies
and lower cost of ownership. An example of this technology optimization is
Oerlikon Solar`s integration of a proprietary process to deposit high-quality
transparent conducting oxide (TCO) on the front and back surfaces of the active
thin film silicon junction. This TCO is engineered to optimize the performance
of the Micromorph technology by improving light transmittance and light
scattering, resulting in maximum efficiency and electricity output.

Success through best in class technology

Oerlikon Solar is the world leader in silicon-based thin film solar technology
and end-to-end manufacturing solutions with 10 established customers in
operation or ramp up worldwide representing 600 MWp of yearly production
capacity, enough to power 480,000 households. This record panel is the latest
result of this ongoing development program and reinforces Oerlikon Solar`s role
as a technology and market leader.

Oerlikon Solar`s end-to-end solution as key enabler

"We successfully implemented several modifications of key processes of our
end-to-end production line, leading to the increase in initial power output and
efficiency," emphasized Dr. Juerg Henz, Head of Thin Film Engineering and
Operations at Oerlikon Solar. "We are confident that our ability to repeatedly
achieve record results can be transferred into mass production soon."

Low Cost, High Performance Technology

Oerlikon Solar`s IEC certified Micromorph® technology significantly boosts solar
cell efficiency by adding a second microcrystalline absorber to the amorphous
silicon (a-Si) layer. This layer converts the energy of the red and
near-infrared spectrum, facilitating efficiency increases of up to 50 percent.
The Micromorph technology also bolsters overall module power, enabling a growing
number of PV module manufacturers around the globe to produce cost-effective
high-performance thin film silicon solar modules.

"Just one more milestone in Oerlikon Solar`s mission to make Solar Power
economically viable."

About Oerlikon Solar

Oerlikon Solar offers cost-effective, field proven end-to-end solutions for the
mass production of thin-film silicon solar modules. These fully automated
manufacturing solutions are focused on reducing device cost and maximizing
productivity. They are available as modular end-to-end solutions with metrology
and upgradeability in throughput and process technology.

Oerlikon Solar has developed a unique and innovative technology based on its
leadership in thin film technology and close cooperation with its customers.

Oerlikon Solar is headquartered in Trubbach, has over 790 employees in 13
locations world wide and maintains sales and service centres in the USA, Europe,
China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan.

About Oerlikon

Oerlikon (SWX:OERL) is one of the world's most successful high-tech industrial
groups specializing in machine and plant engineering. The company is a leader in
the field of industrial solutions and innovative technologies for textile
manufacture, thin-film solar and thinfilm coating, drive, precision and vacuum
systems. With roots in Switzerland and a long

tradition stretching back 100 years, Oerlikon is a global player with a
workforce of more than 19,000 at 170 locations in 35 different countries. The
company`s sales amounted to CHF 5.6 billion and it ranks either first or second
in the respective global market.

Oerlikon Solar Ltd., Trubbach
Michael M. Schmidt, +41 81 784 6439
Head of Public Relations
michael.m.schmidt@oerlikon.com
or
OC Oerlikon Management AG
Burkhard Boendel, +41 58 360 96 02
Head of Corporate Communications
pr@oerlikon.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009