High efficiency-low cost contemporary solar technology now primed for investments, explains Manz representative, noting region's keen interest in solar industry

Abu Dhabi - January 27, 2015

A recurring theme at the 2015 edition of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) has been solar energy, and its transition from an expensive alternative to a competitive technology. Spurred by the capital's goal of generating seven percent of its energy output using renewable sources by 2020, the centrepiece of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the WFES has highlighted the viability of injecting solar technology into the region's energy infrastructure over others. And German engineering firm Manz quotes 'cost-competitiveness' as the driving factor.

"High costs had previously been a major obstacle prohibiting growth for the solar sector. But prices have fallen 75 percent over the past five years, and efficiency rates have only gone up. Solar energy has been on the region's agenda for years, with the region's governments closely monitoring advancements in the industry over the last few years, but now, given the contemporary high efficiency-low cost model, the technology is primed for investments," said Mohamed Alammawi, Vice President of Sales in Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Manz.

Manz itself has been at the centre of several recent, high-profile developments in the solar industry: late last year, Manz's exclusive research partner, the centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg (ZSW), secured the world record in efficiency grade for thin-film solar technology - an unprecedented 21.7 percent.

"This is further evidence that the copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS) thin film technology demonstrates the highest potential in the industry. Manz CIGSfab offers the highest level of panel efficiency at 14.6 percent and the lowest costs in its category. This is why we are showcasing our turn-key production line for CIGS thin-film solar power modules; we can optimise investment volumes in the UAE's renewable energy market by slashing production costs, while increasing efficiency," said Alammawi.

Commenting on the World Future Energy Summit as it draws to a close, Alammawi said, "Given the UAE's sustainability goals, the summit is perfectly timed - it offers the ideal opportunity to strengthen the UAE's position as a regional leader in the search for renewable energy solutions."

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Company profile:

Manz AG - passion for efficiency
As one of the world's leading high-tech equipment manufacturers, Manz AG, based in Reutlingen, Germany, is a pioneer for innovative products in fast growing markets. The company, founded in 1987, has expertise in seven technology sectors: Automation, laser processing, vacuum coating, screen printing, measurement technology, wet-chemical and roll-to-roll processing. Manz applies and continues to develop these technologies in three strategic business segments: "Display," "Solar" and "Battery."

The company, headed by founder Dieter Manz and listed on the stock exchange in Germany since 2006, currently develops and produces in Germany, China, Taiwan, Slovakia, Hungary and Italy. In addition, there are distribution and service branches in the USA and India. In the middle of 2014, Manz AG had approximately 1,900 employees, around half of which are employed in Asia. With the claim "passion for efficiency," Manz gives its clients, who are active in dynamic industries of the future, its performance promise: to provide production solutions with the highest level of efficiency and innovation. Thanks to its extensive expertise in the development of new production technologies and the required equipment, Manz AG contributes substantially to lowering the production costs of end products and making them available to large buyer groups worldwide.

Public Relations contact
Manz AG
Axel Bartmann
Phone: +49 (0)7121 - 9000-395
Fax: +49 (0)7121 - 9000-99
E-Mail: abartmann@manz.com

© Press Release 2015