Ersol Thin Film

Ersol Thin Film GmbH was the specialized thin-film module manufacturing subsidiary of Ersol Solar Energy AG, a German photovoltaics company founded in 1997. The parent company, Ersol Solar Energy AG, initially focused on producing and distributing wafer-based silicon solar cells before strategically expanding into thin-film technology. This expansion was a move to become independent from the supply constraints of raw polysilicon. In July 2006, Ersol broke ground on a new production plant in Erfurt, Germany, for amorphous silicon thin-film modules, representing an investment of €80 million.

The company's strategy involved using amorphous silicon deposited on glass substrates, a process that significantly reduced the amount of silicon needed compared to traditional crystalline cells. By 2009, the subsidiary was developing enhanced modules like the "Nova-T plus," which featured toughened front glass for greater mechanical stability, allowing for use in a wider range of applications and potentially lowering installation costs. In February 2008, Ersol Thin Film entered a cooperative agreement with Schott Solar GmbH to jointly develop micromorphous technology, a double-layer structure of amorphous and microcrystalline silicon films designed to improve sunlight exploitation and boost module efficiency by up to 50%.

In June 2008, Robert Bosch GmbH initiated a takeover of Ersol Solar Energy AG, acquiring a majority stake from financial investor Ventizz Capital Partners and other shareholders for approximately €1.1 billion. Following the acquisition, Ersol Solar Energy AG was integrated into Bosch as its new Solar Energy division, and by September 2009, Ersol Thin Film GmbH was renamed Bosch Solar Thin Film GmbH. Under Bosch, the division continued to develop both crystalline and thin-film products, including micromorphous modules and high-performance monocrystalline cells. However, due to immense global overcapacity and a rapid decline in prices, the solar business incurred significant losses. In March 2013, Bosch announced its decision to exit the crystalline photovoltaics market. While it held onto its thin-film subsidiary, Bosch Solar CISTech GmbH, attempts to find a partner or investor failed, leading to the announcement in October 2015 that it would close the thin-film development site as well, marking Bosch's complete exit from the solar manufacturing sector. Keywords: Ersol Thin Film, Ersol Solar Energy, Bosch Solar Energy, thin-film solar modules, amorphous silicon, micromorphous technology, photovoltaic manufacturing, solar cell production, renewable energy, solar panel technology, CIGS, silicon wafers, PV modules, Erfurt, Arnstadt, Bosch acquisition, SolarWorld, Ventizz Capital, Claus Beneking, solar industry history