News and press releases

From over 4,300 submissions, 100 outstanding products and ideas were honoured with the iF gold award. Odersun was among the winners of this exclusive prize – the first company from the solar sector to achieve this accolade – gaining recognition for its solar modules designed for the building envelope.

The iF design award jury had already recognized the exceptional aesthetics of Odersun PV elements with the iF material design award 2012. The jury was particularly impressed by the individuality and diversity of the concept, which allows solar modules to be integrated into architecture almost seamlessly, without having a disruptive effect. The verdict: “This is a fantastic example of technology and aesthetics going hand in hand.”

Uwe Hering, Sales and Marketing Director at Odersun AG commented: “This exclusive award sets our PV modules apart, which are developed and produced with a firm focus on design and aesthetics. The modules are incorporated into solar façades by architects and energy planners as sustainable building elements. Alongside performance, the visual impression made by the modules is absolutely essential here,” he added.

Solar modules from Odersun provide a compelling look with their uniform, elegant appearance. They are built entirely to the customer's requirements – their shape, size, material, layout and design can vary to suit any application. With their aesthetic look and exceptional ease of integration, they are particularly suited for use in architecture, in other words in building-integrated photovoltaics (BiPV). The modules replace other building elements, themselves becoming scalable and flexible building material. Using “Made in Germany” technology they help to create architecture which is both visually sophisticated and sustainable.

As well as the solar modules themselves, Odersun’s interactive Solar Module Designer was also recognized with the iF communication design award. Following its success at the red dot design awards, this was the second design award for the online configuration tool, which enables solar modules to be configured exactly to the customer's liking. The Solar Module Designer from Odersun is also available as an iPad app.

The Odersun modules, together with 100 other gold award winners from the iF design awards 2012, are on display at the BMW Museum in Munich until the end of February. A must-see for architects and design enthusiasts, who want to admire the very best design in the world. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 6pm, closed Mondays.

Starting 26th of January, the exhibition center Bozen welcomes exhibitors and visitors of Klimahaus Bozen - - an international trade show for green building.
incompany is presenting Odersun’s customizable solar modules at booth (sector AB | booth no. B09/25). Usable as modern and aesthetical façade elements, the companies display the vast variety of Odersun’s customizable solar modules in terms of design, size, form and composition.
Odersun AG, manufacturer of customer specific thin film solar modules and incompany, an Italian distributor of intelligent building envelopes and facade elements, agreed to cooperate to address the Italian BiPV market. Odersun will deliver project specific PV elements for solar facades to incompany who will then provide the solution to the end customer.
With this partnership, incompany broadens its portfolio of façade elements adding customized and aesthetic solar modules from Odersun in order to meet latest requirements for sustainable green buildings. The variety of Odersun’s thin-film modules enables aesthetic building integrated photovoltaic (BiPV) applications.

For further information:
www.fierabolzano.it/klimahouse/de/
www.incompany.bz.it/

Berlin, Germany, 5th November 2011: By awarding the coveted iF material design award 2012 to Odersun solar modules, the iF design award jury confirmed that photovoltaics can indeed look good. The iF label is recognized the world over as a seal of design excellence. Odersun has therefore put to rest the widely held belief that photovoltaics are unattractive.

Solar modules from Odersun provide a compelling look with their uniform, elegant appearance. They are built entirely to the customer's requirements – their shape, size, material, layout and design can vary to suit any application. With their aesthetic look and exceptional ease of integration, they are particularly suited for use in architecture, in other words in building-integrated photovoltaics (BiPV). The modules replace other construction elements, becoming scalable and flexible building material themselves. This significantly reduces the building's CO2 emissions, helping to create architecture which is both aesthetically sophisticated and sustainable.

"This design award underlines the fact that photovoltaic solutions are already part of the design age and can be used seamlessly in any installation as a design element themselves,” says Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, CEO of Odersun AG. “Because our modules form part of the solar building envelope, aesthetics play a very important role for us.”

Alongside the solar modules themselves, the interactive Solar Module Designer from Odersun was also recognized with the iF communication design award. Following its success at the red dot design awards, this was the second design award for the online configuration tool, which enables solar modules to be configured exactly to the customer's liking. The Solar Module Designer is also available as an iPad app.

LINKS
iF design awards
www.ifdesign.de

Odersun AG
www.odersun.com

Online Version (Microsite)
http://solarmodule-designer.odersun.com/

iPad app
http://itunes.apple.com/de/app/solar-designer/id453784184
 

On December 6th and 7th of 2011, international BiPV-specialists in both theory and practice meet at the Forum Brixen in order to discuss the status quo of the dynamically evolving BiPV-market. The Odersun AG, as manufacturer of customized solar modules, suitable especially for the integrated use in the building envelope, will be presenting itself at this top-flight event with an own exhibition stand where current exhibits and an online tool for the design of customer specific PV solutions will be showcased.
The conference is dealing with the newest developments and innovations of the building integrated photovoltaics (bipv) sector. The languages of the conference are Italian and English, as well there is the opportunity to book a simultaneous translation in each of the offered languages.

General information
Date: 6th + 7th of December 2011
Place: FORUM Brixen | Romstrasse 9 | 39042 Brixen, Südtirol | in italian: Forum Bressanone | Via Roma 9 | I-39042 Bressanone
Stand: In the Foyer
Opening hours: Tue. + Wed. 08.00 - 18.00 o’clock

Further information of the event are available at http://www.energy-forum.com/home.html

For scheduling appointments with our fair-team we are at your disposal under the following link sales@odersun.de.

On December 7th and 8th of 2011, the exhibition center Düsseldorf welcomes ARCHITECT@WORK. The trade fair offers a concentrated platform focusing on innovative products for enquiring and innovative architects as well as for project planers.

Odersun is joining the glass-façade-specialist Konvortec at their booth: You are welcome to visit the exhibition, let yourself being inspired by the newest trends of the building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV). Learn how customized solar modules combine sustainability and aesthetic in the building envelope. We’re looking forward to seeing you at Konvortec’s booth (number 73-34).

Lectures on 8th of December with Konvortec - Energizing the Building Envelope
Façade are ideal for the integration of photovoltaics. Konvortecs lecture series, taking place on 8th of December between 13.00 till 15.00 o’clock in the area A129-A135, is dealing with the new opportunities given by solar technologies for building envelopes.
Mr. Uwe Hering (Sales and Marketing Director of Odersun AG) will give an insight into the functional and aesthetic opportunities of solar façades and bring the common opinion of PV is unattractive, not flexible and uneconomic into question.

General information about ARCHITECT@WORK
Date: 7th + 8th of December 2011
Place: Messe Düsseldorf – Halle 1 | Entry South | Stockumer Kirchstraße 61 | 40474 Düsseldorf
Stand: 73 – 74 in Hall
Opening hours: Wed./Thu., 7th + 8th of December, 11.00 – 18.00 o’clock
Catering: Free drinks and refreshments are offered in Lounges.

Please find more information on www.architectatwork.de/

To coordinate a meeting with our sales team please contact us via sales@odersun.de

From 24th to 26th November 2011, Odersun will be present at Renexpo Austria, taking place at Exhibition Center Salzburg. At booth H03 in hall 2 Odersun will give examples on the opportunities for aesthetical applications in buildings envelopes given by the flexibility of their solar modules in terms of size, forms, material and design.
Renexpo Austria is an exhibition for renewable energies and energy efficient building. The congress is dealing with the aspects of energy production, energy distribution and on use of energy. „PV Skin – Industrieforum für gebäudeintegrierte Photovoltaik“ is focusing on building integrated Photovoltaics (BiPV).
On Friday, 25th of November at 2.30pm, Mr. Uwe Hering, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer (CSO) at Odersun, is giving a speech at PV Skin Forum about “Aesthetical and functional aspects of BiPV facades. A niche market?”.
Please find more information on http://www.renexpo-austria.at/
To coordinate a meeting with our sales team please contact us via sales@odersun.de

Berlin, Germany, 1st November 2011: The VDE Institute has confirmed that the thin-film solar cells produced in Germany by Odersun AG will carry the ‘Made in Europe’ certificate. Solar plant operators using Odersun modules can therefore realize a 10% higher feed-in tariff.
This is based on the latest Italian feed-in law (Conto Energia IV), which introduces new rules for funding solar power in Italy. The energy agency GSE will pay a 10% higher subsidy for projects incorporating European components.
In collaboration with GSE, a certificate has been developed to confirm that at least 60% of a module or its system components have been manufactured in Europe.

Odersun AG will join “Arkitekturmässan“ in Gothenburg to present the Scandinavian audience it’s product portfolio of highly customized solar components for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BiPV).
Referring to the events slogan „The congress and fair for those who affect tomorrow’s architecture and urban planning”, Odersun will show how energy-efficient building can be combined with aesthetics and functionality.

For more information please see http://arkitekturmassaneng.tumblr.com/

To coordinate a meeting with our sales team please contact us via sales@odersun.de

Berlin, Germany, 2nd September 2011: The Solarmodule-Designer is an online configuration software tool, which enables interactive design of an Odersun’s customized solar module for building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV). This free of charge tool has been online on Odersuns Website since May and was only recently awarded with the prestigious red dot design award for communication design. Odersun has now published the corresponding iPad app available at iTunes.

The online tool and its iPad app have been developed by Odersun AG and the German design network Plural, Kilian Krug and Markus Lerner. Addressing architects, façade engineers and builders, the tool enables an easy, interactive and customized configuration of solar modules in terms of form, size, appearance, build-up and electrical connection. The solar module, as designed by the user, can be exported as a PDF or a CAD file for direct integration into architectural designs.

“There is some belief that solar modules are not fit for building integration, as they are supposedly unattractive and not flexible enough in size, form, material and design. The Odersun Solarmodule-Designer finally breaks this paradigm,” says Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, CEO of Odersun AG. “We wanted to convey highly complex technical information about the customization of our products in a comprehensible and practical way. The Solarmodule-Designer did the job for us. We are very proud of the recognition, which both the application and its designers received.”

The red dot is one the largest and most prestigious international design competitions. In a selection process that lasted several days, 15 internationally renowned design experts judged every single project of thousands of entries from 40 countries. Only selected entries were awarded with a red dot.

LINKS

iPad-App
http://itunes.apple.com/de/app/solar-designer/id453784184

Online version
http://solarmodule-designer.odersun.com/

Odersun AG
www.odersun.de

Plural Visual Communication
http://pluralvisual.de/#1618445/Solar-Module-Designer-Odersun

Red Dot Award
www.red-dot.org

CONTACT
Odersun AG
Korinna Penndorf, Corporate Communications
Phone: +49(0)335 56334001
Mobile: +49(0)172 2380110
Email: presse@odersun.de
Web: www.odersun.com

ODERSUN AG
Odersun AG designs and manufactures customized solar products using a proprietary, worldwide patented, thin-film technology (CIS – copper indium disulphide). Its manufacturing process enables the company to produce solar cells that can be assembled into solar modules of virtually any size, form, design or any power, in flexible glass packaging. This adaptability is decisive for applications of building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV).

The company is backed by an international group of leading investors including Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures (UK), Virgin Green Fund (US/UK), Advanced Technology & Materials (China), PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund (US), AGF Private Equity (a member of Allianz Group, France) and Valor KG (Austria).

RED DOT DESIGN AWARD
The red dot design award is the largest design competition worldwide. Since 1954 the Design Centre Nordrhein Westfalen, formerly Industrieform e.V., honours outstanding design achievements. The highly sought-after “red dot” has been established since as an internationally recognized quality label and is awarded in various disciplines. The winning works are exhibited in the red dot design museum, which hosts the largest contemporary design collection worldwide.

Berlin/Kottenheim, Germany, 07 June 2011: Odersun AG, manufacturer of customer specific solar modules and the FranzenGroup, planner and constructor of façade and solar systems, have announced that they will be cooperating in the sector of integrated building photovoltaics. Together, they are to further promote the integration of solar components in curtain wall type, rear-ventilated façades. Franzen Ingenieur- und Montagebau GmbH offers comprehensive consulting services for the planning of solar-integrated façades as early as in the planning and design phase. Architects, specialist planners and builders are accompanied from design through to implementation of modern, energy-efficient photovoltaic façades. Odersun manufactures made to order CIS modules used in existing façade systems as well as according to individual specifications.

The FranzenGroup works in the field of open system curtain wall façades and has the necessary cross-discipline know-how to meet the challenge of integrating photovoltaics in building façades. With over 40 years in the façade business and long-term involvement in the solar sector, Franzen combines, under one roof, all the necessary skills for both aesthetic and functional installation and layout of fully integrated façade systems. Unnecessary interfaces with other trades are no longer applicable.
"Franzen combines, when it comes to the handling of our new types of solar components, a decisive, and until now rare, combination of skills, namely experience in façade construction and in the design of solar systems," explains Dr Hein van der Zeeuw, CEO of Odersun AG. "The constructional and artistic integration of solar in buildings can only be successful when the necessary systems and the decisive experience and competence in planning and installation are combined with suitable materials."
The cooperation between Odersun and Franzen forms another important link in the chain between manufacturer, system supplier and planning and installation.

“As a classical installation company, we were one of the first businesses to turn to the integrated use of solar energy in buildings. It was clear to us that there was a dynamic movement toward the incorporation of new technologies for sustainable energy supply within the building, a movement for which we wanted to be prepared," says Dipl.-Ing. Jürgen Krämer, a managing director at FranzenGroup. "We have more than 40 years experience in installation and have been active in the solar sector since 2005. With the new components from Odersun, we can now combine both skills and offer solar façades, which also meet the requirements of aesthetic integration." (more)

Odersun AG presents its product portfolio of highly customized solar components for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BiPV) at Intersolar 2011, the world’s leading exhibition for solar technology in Munich, Germany (June 8-10).

We at Odersun will present cutting edge examples of building integrated photovoltaics for facades and shading solutions in cooperation with leading partners from the building industry. Moreover you will be able to have a close look at our latest module designs showcasing our products’ vast scope of creative design. Finally Odersun premieres with a special highlight: an innovative software tool for the individual configuration of solar modules – the Odersun Solarmodule-Designer. We are looking forward to welcome you at the Odersun booth (Hall A3, 120).

To coordinate a meeting with our trade fair team at Intersolar please contact us via: sales@odersun.de.

erlin, Germany, May 24th, 2011: Odersun AG, manufacturer of customized photovoltaic solutions for building integration (BiPV), published today a software tool to design individually fitted solar modules. The configuration software named “Solarmodule-Designer” addresses architects and planners in search of customizable photovoltaic elements.

The Solarmodule-Designer enables the user to create solar modules optimized for individual building projects and systems. Size, form, appearance as well as build-up and materials can be modified in detail to fit applications such as solar-integrated roofs and façades. Despite its unique diversity of adjustable parameters, the tool proves intuitive and easy to use.

“We find the Solarmodule-Designer to be a very effective tool to demonstrate our products’ vast scope of creative design. The customized manufacturing of solar modules still is, after all, a new and often extremely technical area.” explains Uwe Hering, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Odersun AG, the software’s background. “This configuration software was purpose-build to allow users to experience the unique capabilities of Odersun’s customized products in an easy, appealing and yet technically accurate way.”

A special feature for the user is the export function with its detailed PDF summary of the parameters chosen and an additional CAD version of the user’s individually designed solar module for download. The Odersun Solarmodule-Designer is free of charge and can be accessed online via:

www.solarmodule-designer.odersun.com

The respective App for the iPad 2 will follow within a short time, whereas visitors of Intersolar, the world leading solar trade show taking place in Munich (Germany) from June 8-10, will have the opportunity to test the software using a touch screen table.

The application was developed by Plural | Kilian Krug, Markus Lerner (Berlin).

Berlin, Germany, March 29th, 2011: Odersun AG, manufacturer of customized solar modules, and Lithodecor, producer of ventilated curtain wall systems, announce their co-operation in the area of solar façades. Odersun supplies Lithodecor with custom-made CIS (Copper-Indium-Disulphide) solar modules for the company’s Airtec system. Apart from classic materials such as glass and natural stone, Airtec façades are now available with multi-functional façade components integrating photovoltaics. Solutions already provided by Lithodecor, can be individually combined with the new solar components. Supplier Odersun manufactures system-compatible as well as project-specific solar modules for building integration. Lithodecor, therefore, is able to provide system standard sizes as well as individual made-to-measure solutions.

The integration of renewable energy into the building envelope is a very important matter for Lithodecor and the next logical step in upgrading its product portfolio: “Energy efficient building is not a ‘nice-to-have’ anymore but a mandatory requirement to meet low carbon goals. As an established manufacturer of building systems, we want to provide our customers with materials which help them to meet these new standards. With Odersun we have found the right partner with the technology and products to enable innovative and aesthetic façades solutions,” says Dr. Clemens von Trott zu Solz, Managing Director of Lithodecor’s façade division, which lately emerged from well-known Alsecco following an internal brand conversion.

Odersun AG is able to adapt its modules in size and design to fit exactly into the respective façade system. “Odersun modules have become a scalable building material thanks to our flexible technology and customizable product design, making it an ideal fit for the various parts of the building envelope. We are happy to have Lithodecor as an experienced system partner who shares our vision of energy efficient building with photovoltaics,” states Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, Chief Executive Officer of Odersun AG.

The new solar façade system is designed to support builders who strive to meet the tightening standards of energy conservation regulations and energy efficient refurbishment. Solar components replace alternative façade elements with full functionality and provide payback through the façade-generated electricity. Both companies showed first samples of the Airtec Photovoltaic system at BAU 2011 in Germany earlier this year - with very positive industry feedback. Reference projects are in the setup phase. (more information)

Odersun joins BAU 2011, the world's leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems in Munich, Germany. Nearly 2.000 exhibitors show new products which are all about building, planning and design on more than 180.000 square meters of exhibition space.

One main topic of the upcoming exhibition is "sustainable building". Adaptable and green materials play a decisive role in sustainable architecture. Odersun presents solar building components with integrated photovoltaics optimized for individual buidling projects. These innovative and aesthetic building components are tailored to customers' requirements and produce clean energy in roofing, facade and canopies. This is material made for architecture.

Visit us at our booth: hall B2 | booth 335
2011, 17-22 January at New Munich Trade Fair Centre, Munich/Germany
open Mo-Fr from 09:30am till 06:30pm, Saturday from 09:00am till 05:00pm
more information
appointment with Odersun

Berlin, Germany, September 6th, 2010: Odersun AG, manufacturer of customized thin-film solar cells and modules, received state guarantees from the Federal State of Brandenburg for 10 million Euros in loans. The raising of credit enables Odersun to advance its ramp-up of production and market entry with customized solar products based on a proprietary technology.

“The continuous commitment of our investors and the trust of the state government in the capability of our technology and strategic approach, ensure a secure funding in the course of our company’s market entry,” says Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, Chief Executive Officer of Odersun AG.

Odersun is currently commissioning its 20MW production facilities in Fürstenwalde/Spree, Germany. Until the end of this year, the four already installed production lines will be in operation. Next to the manufacturing of standard thin-film modules, Odersun works on a portfolio with customer specific solar modules of special forms applicable for direct integration into buildings. First projects with building integrated solar modules by Odersun will be realized in 2011.

Berlin, Germany, August 31st, 2010: Odersun AG, manufacturer of customized thin-film solar modules, announces today the appointment of Mr. Doede Vierstra as its Chief Financial Officer and member of the board of management.
Doede Vierstra has worked in various executive finance positions, bringing vast experience in finance and international management. He joins Odersun from the Dutch energy provider Nuon, now part of the Vattenfall Group, where he was CFO and member of the Board of Management. Prior to that, Vierstra served as CFO and member of the Executive Board of Royal Wessanen, a stock listed organic food company, and Royal Friesland Foods.

“I strongly believe in renewable energy and solar power in particular, as a main driver in the global transition from fossil to sustainable energy supply. That transition has to start now and Odersun is a very promising company, whose products make an important contribution in that process,” says Doede Vierstra.

“Mr. Vierstra is a great addition to our management team as the company enters the market and continues its growth,” adds Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, Chief Executive Officer at Odersun AG. “We are glad to have found in Doede Vierstra a very experienced and dedicated professional.”

Vierstra succeeds Peter van Bommel, who held responsibility for the company’s finances since early 2009. Van Bommel decided to return to his home country, The Netherlands, and has accepted another position in the meantime. The appointment of Doede Vierstra as CFO and member of the board of management of Odersun AG takes effect as from September 1st, 2010.

Berlin, 16 June 2010: Innovation goes into production as Odersun inaugurates its second solar factory „SunTwo“. At the opening ceremony, Economics Minister of the State of Brandenburg Ralf Christoffers received a new type of solar module as an example for the possibilities of individual solar design. The company had already started ramping-up the production at its “SunTwo” facility in Fürstenwalde (Spree), Germany, when it achieved the IEC 61646 certification in January this year. Based on Odersun’s proprietary CISCuT-technology both standard as well as customized thin-film solar modules are produced in volume at the facility.

“The new factory in Fürstenwalde is another highlight in Brandenburg’s solar landscape. The Odersun factory is well positioned in the German Capital region. Forty percent of all solar modules produced in Germany today come from Berlin-Brandenburg. The region is well recognised in the solar industry and so it should stay.”, underlines Minister President of Brandenburg Matthias Platzeck in a greeting to the event.
By now 111 employees of Odersun AG work in four shifts in the fully integrated manufacturing of thin-film solar cells and modules in Fürstenwalde (Spree). At the end of this year the workforce will have increased up to 150 people. Initially the factory has a capacity of about 20 MW, which can be expanded to 30 MW by installing two additional production lines in the factory.

„The Energy Strategy 2020 of the State of Brandenburg defines the increase of the overall share of renewable energies in primary energy consumption to 20 percent until the year 2020. In view of the climate change and energy policy perspectives this target is mandatory.”, says Economics Minister of Brandenburg Ralf Christoffers. “With a share of currently 16 percent, this target is already in sight. Odersun contributes to the State of Brandenburg which is amongst the top with respect to the use and production of renewable energies.”

Odersun has invested close to 50 million Euros for concept, planning, construction and equipment of the solar factory “SunTwo”. The facilities are situated on former army grounds, which now found a new use. On occasion of the ceremony Odersun donated modules for a solar installation on a sport gym in Fürstenwalde.
“Odersun is well positioned to serve the growing demand for customer specific solar products in the market.”, so Odersun CEO Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw. “Today’s opening is another significant milestone for our company.”

Contact:
Korinna Penndorf | Corporate Communications
E: presse@odersun.de | T: +49 (0)335 5633-4005 | M: +49(0)172 2380-110
About Odersun AG (www.odersun.com)

Odersun AG designs and manufactures flexible, silicon free, solar products using a proprietary, worldwide patented, thin-film technology. Its manufacturing process enables the company to produce solar cells that can be assembled into solar modules of virtually any size or any power, in flexible or glass packaging. This adaptability is decisive for applications of building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV).

The company is backed by an international group of leading investors including Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures (UK), Virgin Green Fund (US/UK), Advanced Technology & Materials (China), PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund (US), AGF Private Equity (a member of Allianz Group, France) and Valor KG (Austria)

Intersolar Europe breaks the record of 2009. The number of exhibitors increased to 1.800 and exhibition space grew to 130.000 m². More than 60.000 visitors are expected to walk the halls this year, about 40% of which visit from abroad.
Odersun presents its standard module ODS 170-R and shows new design samples for building integrated photovoltaics. Visit us at our booth at Intersolar Europe 2010 - Neue Messe München (Trade Fair Munich), hall A3, stand A3.386. Fo more information please visit: Intersolar 2010

This year’s Solarexpo in Verona (Italy) expects more than 1.300 exhibitors and 70.000 visitors at the Verona Exhibition Center. On about 100.000sqm of exhibition space solar energy generation and, this year’s special, solar architecture, are in focus. It’s the 11th edition of Solarexpo, which meanwhile became one of the leading solar trade fairs in Europe. Solarexpo is again held alongside Greenbuilding, a fair on energy efficiency and sustainable architecture.
Visit us at Solarexpo & Greenbuilding 2010 at the Verona Exhibition Center, Italy in hall 11, stand F4.1. More more information please visit: http://www.solarexpo.com