Avancis: a dedicated company
Saint-Gobain produces thin-layer photovoltaic modules for distributors and integrators via its company Avancis.
Avancis produces new generation solar panels. Its first factory, with an annual capacity of 20 MW, operates since the end of 2008 in Torgau (Germany), in close proximity of the Saint-Gobain Glass production lines.
The technologies used
The photovoltaic panels produced by Avancis use the CIS technology based on depositing a thin coat of copper-iridium-selenium on a glass substrate, bypassing use of the traditional silicon. It delivers high electrical yield, while at the same time allowing extremely competitive production costs. Saint-Gobain Glass is contributing its industrial expertise in thin-layer technology and glass transformation. The manufactured modules combine the attractive appearance of their natural black colour with performance and conversion of light into electricity even when skies are cloudy or luminosity is low.
Where they are used
CIS technology has already been successfully used in a number of installations, including the OpTIC Centre in Wales, equipped with 2,400 modules, as well as the Salzburg convention centre in Austria. Some of this complex's energy needs are covered by the 960 CIS modules installed on the roof, together with 60 others on the facade.
