Applied Materials Bolsters PV Biz with Acquisition of Advent Solar

Applied Materials Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., has acquired substantially all the assets, including the intellectual property, of Advent Solar Inc., Albuquerque, for an undisclosed cash amount. Advent Solar is a developer of advanced technology for crystalline silicon (c-Si) PVs. This acquisition is expected to complement Applied's portfolio of solar PV technologies.

“We believe the acquisition of Advent Solar will increase our opportunities to provide innovative solutions for reducing module production costs,” said Dr. Mark Pinto, chief technology officer and general manager of Applied's Energy and Environmental Solutions Group. “Combining Advent Solar's PV technology with Applied's expertise in automated wafering and cell production equipment, we expect to deliver systems that will enhance customers' c-Si roadmaps and accelerate the reduction in cost per watt of solar electricity.”