The companies will organize respective strengths in materials, optical and coating technologies as well as joint development, aiming to improve organic thin-film PV performance including higher conversion efficiency, longer life and lower manufacturing costs to realize mass production of PV. The companies are expected to establish a joint venture company in Japan to produce organic thin-film PV panels.
Masatoshi Matsuzaki, CEO of Konica Minolta, said: “Konica Minolta positions the organic thin-film PV business as one of the most promising in the environment and energy field, next to the organic light emitting diode business, where our photographic film manufacturing technology in mass production. We are pleased to be collaborating with Konarka, the first and world leader to commercialize organic thin-film photovoltaics because of its polymer technology and its mass production facility in New Bedford, Massachusetts.”
Howard Berke, executive chairman and co-founder of Konarka, said: “We are delighted that Konica Minolta recognizes the value of Konarka’s patent-protected thin film solar material that is lightweight and flexible, uniquely lending itself to a wide range of applications where traditional PV are not effective.
“With our collaboration efforts, Konarka and Konica Minolta are well positioned to deliver efficient, PV panels to meet the growing demand for personal and commercial solar energy solutions around the globe.”
