About us
A strong team
In order to lead in a market there must be an excellent leadership team. Like the management of Q.CELLS, a strong team made up of outstanding personalities.
Chief Executive Officer -
Chief Financial Officer -
Dr. Nedim Cen
Dr. Nedim Cen holds degrees in engineering and business administration and has been a member of the board since June 2009. In March 2010 he ascended to the role of chairman of the board at Q-Cells SE. His duties include responsibility for the group's Corporate Strategy, Corporate Communication, Legal & Compliance and Human Resources divisions at the group level. Effective as of 15 November 2011he has additionally taken over responsibility for the departments of Finance, Tax, IT, Internal Audit and Investor Relations as CFO.
Chief Operating Officer -
Chief Sales Officer -
Dr. Andreas von Zitzewitz
The renowned electrical engineer Dr. Andreas von Zitzewitz has been a member of the Q-Cells SE Board of Directors since August 2011. As COO he is responsible for the areas of production, research, development, purchasing, logistics and quality of the whole portfolio in regard of technology, products and systems of Q.CELLS including the subsidiary Solibro. Effective as of 15 November 2011he has additionally taken over responsibility for the division of Marketing & Sales. In this role he assumes responsibility for Sales Products & Systems, Product Management, Marketing, Central Customer Service, Project & Service Management.
Successful redirection
In 2010, Q.CELLS focused on the company's redirection. We can look back with satisfaction on a successful launch into the module business and a concentration of the technology portfolio. We have reorganised and optimised internal processes and therefore reduced costs.
Sustainable road to success
In order to keep Q.CELLS on the road to success we are concentrating on five large topic blocks. We are continuing to follow the strategic redirection and strengthen international business. New products and applications underline our innovation standard and this at a constantly high level of quality.
Responsible management
Responsible management means not only to flexibly react to different customer and market requirements but to anticipate them in advance. It is a part of our daily tasks to continuously analyse and, if necessary, optimise internal and external company processes. This means that costs remain controllable and thus we create the requirements for a successful future. We have already built on the commitment and the enthusiasm of our employees in the past. The members of the Q.CELLS Supervisory Board and the Board of Directors fully endorse this cooperative and respectful approach.
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And the winner is...
Q.CELLS wins prize after prize for its innovations - the future is secure as the leader of solar energy!
Corporate Governance
Our business management philosophy: how Q.CELLS manages its business.
Integrated management
Our corporate culture: Open information and goal-oriented cooperation.
Cells, modules, systems
The best way to a successful future is to actively create it. That’s why we’re investing in key business divisions. Since the company was founded, Q.CELLS has developed itself into one of the largest photovoltaics companies in the world. The focus alongside the cell business is the module and system business. There we can see the best perspectives for a successful expansion of our business activities.
Solar cells
Solar cells by Q.CELLS – the proven successful product: Since the start of production in 2001, our cells are a guarantee for our success as well as our customers'. And they stay that way in a continuously changing market: high quality, reliable, successful.
We have established the 6 inch format as a standard worldwide. We continue to research innovations with potential.
More information about the Q.CELLS solar cells
Solar modules
Modules by Q.CELLS: not a new approach, but the bundling of our many years of experience. Our CIGS thin-film technology has established us as an unparalleled international leader. We are now expanding our product portfolio to include crystalline solar modules in which we install solar cells produced exclusively by us.
Therefore, Q.CELLS has one of the widest technology portfolios of any photovoltaic brand. Q.CELLS customers find the matching solution for optimal yields for every requirement. Our extensive experience from the systems business combined with our know-how from solar manufacturing have laid the ground work for making Q.CELLS one of the market leaders in the module division, with both thin-film and crystalline solar modules.
Systems
The Q.CELLS system business: we have been building large solar power plants in record time since 2009. In the same year we were able to become the largest system integrator in the world. Our expertise and core components from one single source – this makes us the most popular solutions provider in the photovoltaics industry. We hope to tap into further regional markets with this business model.
More information about the Q.CELLS systems
Innovative technology, high-quality product portfolio
Q.CELLS has specialised in the development, manufacture and marketing of high-quality solar cells and thin-film technology. We want to underline our claim to be one of the pacesetters of the industry with our technological innovations. In terms of research and development, we are concentrating on promising projects including a new rear concept and new mono-crystalline products. In addition, we have set up a development project with which we hope to achieve an efficiency rate of 20 percent in mono-crystalline solar cells by the end of 2011.
In the new technologies we are backing the CIGS technology by Solibro. We intend to expand thin-film technology into a central business area of Q.CELLS. The company has rolled out this technology to marketability – with an average efficiency of around 11 percent in production.
Investments
Q.CELLS has always invested in innovative and exciting new technologies from the very beginning. So that tomorrow's future can begin for us today.
Q-CELLS MALAYSIA SDN. BHD.
The Q-CELLS MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. is a production business belonging 100% to Q-Cells SE. The groundbreaking ceremony at the first production location outside of Germany took place in mid 2008 near the capital Kuala Lumpur. Around 400 employees worked in the production of crystalline solar cells at the newly formed Q-CELLS MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. in 2009. Production is to be extended to around 600 megawatt peak (MWp) over numerous stages of expansion.
Solibro GmbH
Solibro GmbH was founded at the end of 2006. Since the acquisition of Solibro AB shares (Sweden) in mid 2009, Q.CELLS has owned 100 percent of the company. The copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film technology by Solibro is a result of intensive research work at the University in Uppsala, Sweden. CIGS solar modules are characterised by a relatively high efficiency rate and corresponding aesthetics. Modules from the current production hold the latest efficiency world record of 13.4 percent.
After the successful production start in 2008, the first line was expanded to 45 MWp by the end of 2009. The creation of a second line with 90 MWp was completed in mid 2010. The development centre of Solibro GmbH supports production technology and strategically drives forward important developments of CIGS thin-film technology.
Solibro GmbH
OT Thalheim
Sonnenallee 26-32
06766 Bitterfeld-Wolfen
Germany
Contact
TEL +49 (0)3494 3840-93000
FAX +49 (0)3494 3840-93100
E-MAIL info@solibro-solar.com
Solaria Corporation
The Solario Corporation from Fremont, CA (USA) has developed a new, low concentrating photovoltaics technology based on standard silicon solar cells. The advantage of this technology is that, thanks to the double to triple concentration of sunlight, the number of modules that can be produced with a certain amount of silicon is significantly increased. And this technology can be seamlessly integrated into the current value creation chain of the silicon wafer based PV technology. Furthermore, the production processes can be quickly scaled-up, if necessary.
The technology developed by Solaria has enormous potential for cost reduction in module production and can contribute towards making solar energy competitive even more quickly. The ramp up of the first production line is currently running at 25 MWp. Q-Cells SE owns 8.7% of this company.
Solaria Corporation
46420 Fremont Blvd
Fremont
CA 94538 USA
Contact
TEL +1 510 270 2500
FAX +1 510 656 1376
E-MAIL: info@solaria.com
www.solaria.com
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No standing still
The sun never goes down in the Q.CELLS think tank. And our efficiency ratios reach record values!
Services
Working with partners in a solution-oriented manner: personal contact with our partners and customers is particularly important to us.
The Q.CELLS guarantee
Reliable guarantee arrangements for planning certainty.
Leipzig, Germany
As a rooftop facility this system powers a detached family home. And you too will produce solar electricity!
Strasskirchen, Germany
Q.CELLS only needed five months to build this free-standing facility which now generates an impressive 53 MWp!
At the end of 1999 Q.CELLS started its production of silicon solar cells in the first half year of 2001 with only 19 employees. Now over 2000 people work for Q.CELLS. Since its founding, Q.CELLS has developed from one of the world’s largest solar cell manufacturers to a leading photovoltaics company within a few years. The extensive product portfolio ranges from solar cells, crystalline and thin-film solar modules to complete photovoltaic systems. Q.CELLS develops and produces its products at the group's head office Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany as well as in Malaysia and markets through a global network of distributors. The company’s goal is:
To reduce the costs of photovoltaics quickly and sustainably and to make the technology competitive.
Together for solar power
Together with strong partners, Q.CELLS is promoting the development of the solar industry. We are members of influential associations and initiatives that promote a globally stronger promotion of photovoltaics.
Assosolare
Assosolare is the association of the photovoltaics industry in Italy. Q.CELLS is also active in this important market in the lobbying of the industry. Q-Cells SE is represented by Matthias Altieri, Managing Director of Q-CELLS ITALIA S.R.L., on the board of Assosolare.
BSW Solare
The Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft (BSW-Solar) is, with over 600 solar companies, the lobbying group of the German solar industry.
EPIA
The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) is, with 170 members, the largest industry association of the photovoltaics industry in the world. The task of the association is to promote photovoltaics on a national, European and global level and to support the members in the development of their businesses.
JPEA
The Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA) is the association of the Japanese photovoltaics industry. Q.CELLS has a subsidiary in Japan and maintains close business contacts in the pioneering country of solar energy.
PV CYCLE
The European association PV CYCLE develops an financially viable return and recycling system for the entire industry that is to guarantee the highest possible return quota and an environmentally friendly handling and re-use of the collected modules.
Stifterverband für die deutsche Wissenschaft
Stifterverband für die deutsche Wissenschaft is a joint campaign of the economy. Around 4,000 companies, company associations and individuals have pledged to promote science, research and education.
SYNDICAT DES ÉNERGIES RENOUVELABLES
Created in 1993, Syndicat des énergies renouvelables is the French industrial organisation for all renewable energies (wood, wind, hydropower, PV…). Its aim is to support renewable energies professional’s interests within public affairs, parliament and institutions acting toward energy, industry, employment and research.
ENERPLAN
Since 1983, ENERPLAN, the professional association for solar energies, acts for development and promotion of solar energies. Enerplan gathers various actors of the sector: industrials, architects, engineers, installers.
It makes us proud that Q.CELLS and its employees consistently receive special recognition for their work. This is a selection of the awards and prizes received:
Sustainable Energy Europe Award 2010
Sustainable Energy Europe Award 2010: In March 2010 Q-Cells SE was awarded the ‘Sustainable Energy Europe Award’ for the communications campaign ‘Sun-Sun-Sun’. The prize went to the Q.CELLS campaign partners Sharp and MTV for the special commitment to energy efficiency, environmentally friendly transport and promotion of renewable energy.
Business of the Year 2009
Business of the Year 2009: In April 2009 Q-Cells SE was given the European Business Award in the ‘Business of the Year’ category. This prize is used to honour companies that combine exceptional financial results, strong growth and market leadership in their sector with innovative business strategies.
Ökomanager des Jahres (Eco Manager of the Year) 2008:
Ökomanager des Jahres (Eco Manager of the Year) 2008: In November 2008, Anton Milner, CEO of Q-Cells SE, was honoured with the ‘Eco Manager of the Year’ award. This award is annually given by the environmental foundation WWF together with the economic magazine Capital. They selected Anton Milner because Q.CELLS did decisive pioneering work in the fight against climate change.
Germany’s Best Employer 2008
Germany’s Best Employer 2008: In February 2008, Q-Cells SE was given the ‘Germany’s Best Employer 2008' award. Trusting relationships between management and workforce, dedicated employees and an animated team spirit are central criteria for this award. The award is given by the Great Place to Work® Institute Deutschland in cooperation with the Forschungsinstitut psychonomics SE, the Initiative Neue Qualität der Arbeit (INQA) and the economic magazine Capital.
Fair Company
Fair Company: Q-Cells SE was given the ‘Fair Company‘ award at the end of 2007. The award touches on an initiative by the job and economics magazine ‘Junge Karriere’. The target is to award companies that set a good example and offer interns job prospects, references and interesting tasks. Criteria for the award are, for example, that no full-time positions are replaced by interns, would-be volunteers, trainees or applicant groups. Q-Cells SE offers internships primarily for occupational orientation during the training phase and pays an adequate allowance.
Beruf und Familie (Career and Family) 2007/2008
Beruf und Familie (Career and Family) 2007/2008: The Anhalt-Bitterfeld district awarded Q-Cells SE as the ‘Most Family Friendly Company’ in 2007 and 2008. This prize is awarded every year to companies that implement a family friendly personnel policy and promote the balance between career and family. Family awareness measures are a rewarding investment in the future and increase both the employee’s motivation and their creativity and innovative ability.
www.anhalt-bitterfeld.de/beruf-familie
Deloitte Technology Fast 50
Deloitte Technology Fast 50: Q-Cells SE was awarded in October 2007 with the ‘Sustained Excellence Award’. This prize is awarded by the audit and consultancy company Deloitte Deutschland as part of its Technology Fast 50 competition. It recognises companies that, along with long-term growth, particularly distinguish themselves through innovative ability, entrepreneurial spirit and outstanding performance. Next to the Fast 50 criterion of increased turnover, Deloitte assesses the competitive position, the management and the corporate culture along with the financial performance indicators of 2006.
Deloitte Technology Fast 50
Deloitte Technology Fast 50: Q-Cells SE takes first place in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50, a ranking of the fastest growing technology companies in Germany. The ranking is based on the cumulative percentage turnover growth rates of the past five years, in this case from 2001 to 2005. Q-Cells SE was able to attain growth of 33.019 percent in this time period.
German Entrepreneur Prize
German Entrepreneur Prize: Q-Cells SE won the German Entrepreneur Prize 2005 as best company in the ‘climber’ category. In the ‘climber’ category, an up to five year old company is awarded that grows strongly and has created secure jobs.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Entrepreneur of the Year: The CEO and Technology Manager of Q-Cells SE, Anton Milner and Reiner Lemoine, were awarded with the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year 2005’ award in the Start-up category. This award is presented by the auditing firm Ernst & Young.
Europe 500
Europe 500: Q-Cells SE achieved 9th place amongst the fastest growing companies in Europe in 2005, which was published on the Europe's 500 list. In 2006 it reached 12th place and the company also received the special prize in the ‘Innovation’ category. This ranking of European companies is annually compiled by the ‘Entrepreneurs for Growth’ association with the support of Microsoft and KPMG.
Ethics in Business
Ethics in Business: For its outstanding dedication in the area of environment and society, Q-Cells SE received the ‘Ethics in Business’ award. The quality award is given to medium sized businesses that operate honestly, sustainably and systematically above and beyond the legal requirements.
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Our sustainability report
Read the short version of Q.CELLS sustainability report directly online.
