16th Jul 2007 07:01
Hightex Group PLC16 July 2007 Hightex Group plc ("Hightex") Exclusive development contract for Flexcell signed with a majority ownedsubsidiary of Q-CELLS AG Hightex announces that it has signed an exclusive contract with VHF-TechnologiesSA ("VHF") for the exclusive co-development of a flexible photovoltaic ETFEmembrane for intelligent building envelopes. Hitherto, most systems usingstandard photovoltaic modules have not provided for the transmission of lightand their size has been limited. VHF manufactures flexible, thin and lightweight photovoltaic modules, using itsproprietary Very-High-Frequency plasma technology to deposit thin layers ofamorphous silicon onto plastic substrates. This product,Flexcell is a solarcell laminated between two layers of ETFE membrane of the kind used by Hightexin its architectural roof and facade structures (www.flexcell.com). ETFE isethylene-tetra-fluor-ethylene, a high performance material principally used insingle or multi-layered systems. The majority of the share capital of VHF isowned by Q-CELLS AG, which is a leading company in solar technology. Under the contract between VHF and Hightex, VHF has agreed that Hightex willhave the exclusive use of the Flexcell/ETFE product in architectural membraneapplications. Hightex has used ETFE in many of its structures, including theNational Space Centre in Leicester, UK and at Clarke Quay in Singapore, thelargest covered shopping street in Asia. The Directors of Hightex and its wholly-owned subsidiary company SolarNext seethis contract as a significant step in creating its intelligent buildingsdivision, which combines solar and membrane technologies. Flexcell will enable abuilding to generate its own power and the technology opens a wide range ofcreative and innovative solutions for architects worldwide to createeye-catching buildings and at the same time to produce clean energy. Hightexexpects to execute the first architectural structures before the end of 2007using photovoltaic membrane panels of 25 sq.m. and larger. Charles DesForges, Chairman of Hightex, said "This new product will be a majorinnovative advance for architectural membrane structures such as sports stadia,airports, rail stations and shopping malls. Hightex is delighted to have signedthis agreement with VHF and we look forward to the product establishing new,international standards in the use of light weight building structures of lowenvironmental impact." Enquiries: Charles DesForges, Chairman 07799 626 238 Klaus Michael Koch, Chief Executive Officer 00 49 8051 6888-0 Teather & Greenwood, Sindre Ottesen 0207 426 9000 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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