Innovative Equipment Sale for Advanced Solar Manufacturing
-- Private-treaty sale includes around 600 crates of decommissioned, ready-to-send manufacturing and testing equipment from Ubiquity Solar.
Tiger Group and GESemi are currently soliciting offers for advanced equipment aimed at producing high-efficiency, gallium arsenide (GaAs) based thin-film photovoltaic (PV) cells. This extensive range of fully decommissioned, ready-to-ship manufacturing assets originates from Ubiquity Solar. Nearly 600 crates are stored in South-Central New York and feature prominent brands such as Aixtron Group, Attolight, GigaMat, SCHMID, Hercules, and KLA Corp.
About Ubiquity Solar's Acquisition
In 2021, Ubiquity Solar acquired the assets of Alta Devices, a pioneer in high-efficiency GaAs flexible thin-film solar cells. Their production technology is utilized in various applications, from satellites to vehicles. These innovative production cells achieve impressive efficiencies, with 20% for AM0 (space-based applications) and up to 26% for AM1.5 (terrestrial applications). Notably, these thin-film GaAs PV cells boast one of the industry’s highest power-to-weight ratios, exceeding 800 watts per kilogram, as highlighted by GESemi's Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Shows.
Advanced Production Lines
Shows emphasized that the advanced production lines available for sale can manufacture products tailored for weight-sensitive applications, such as drones that rely on the efficient conversion of solar energy to electricity. Furthermore, this technology is well-suited for the growing space market.
New Generation MOCVDs
Included in the sale are several MOCVD systems that are newly configured for producing Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor devices, which have not been altered for GaAs applications. Shows further stated that there are numerous other potential uses for thin-flexible GaAs PV cells, encompassing electric vehicles and satellite technologies. He noted that this sale provides a unique opportunity to elevate business capabilities by acquiring transformative technology at liquidation prices.
Intellectual Property & Patents
The auction also features nearly 200 patents and intellectual property assets related to the high-tech production of gallium arsenide wafers. Ubiquity Solar has committed to offering products with superior power outputs in watts per square meter, enhancing overall energy productivity, particularly against traditional space-grade silicon used in the space market.
Sale Highlights and Equipment Categories
Key categories within the sale encompass PVD sputter, MOCVD, surface preparation, ELO, plating lines, wet processing, testing, measurement, inspection, analysis lab equipment, and IT plant support. This abundance of equipment has the capacity to produce approximately 150 kWp (AM0) per year of thin-film GaAs-PV cells from Alta Devices' pilot line. Notably, the sale excludes utility support equipment and buildings but does include equipment that could increase production capacity to 1.5 MWp (AM0) annually.
- Intellectual property rights and patents relevant to thin-flexible GaAs solar cells
- Aixtron R6 MOCVD systems configured for both GaAs and GaN uses
- Aixtron Crius II MOCVD systems for GaAs applications
- AVP Technologies inline multi-chamber sputtering systems
- FHR Line 1100V7 inline PVD vacuum coating systems
- CHA Industries Mark-40 electron beam evaporators
- GigaMat Technologies SI wafer polishers
- Zeta Instruments / KLA-Tencor ZS-280 optical measurement systems
- Singulus automatic wet process stations
- Besi/KA Industrial Engineering solar copper plating lines
- Applied Materials/Baccini semi-automatic screen printers
- Attolight Säntis 300 full wafer cathodoluminescence microscopes
- Hitachi S-4700 scanning electron microscopes
- Bruker Icon atomic force microscopes
- FEI Strata 235 dual beam FIB/SEM systems
- Cincinnati Sub Zero environmental test chambers
- Small module assembly pilot line currently operational
All equipment was operational before its decommissioning in 2021 and has been professionally managed. Limited quantities of raw materials and finished goods are also available.
Contact Information for Inquiries
For more detailed asset photos, descriptions, and additional inquiries, please reach out to:
Chad Farrell, (832) 721-3937, or
Kevin Shows, (480) 433-1866.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of equipment is being sold?
The sale includes advanced manufacturing equipment for high-efficiency GaAs thin-film photovoltaic cells, decommissioned from Ubiquity Solar.
What are the applications of the GaAs PV cells?
These cells are used in satellites, electric vehicles, and drones, emphasizing their versatility and efficiency.
Is there intellectual property available?
Yes, the sale features nearly 200 patents and intellectual property assets related to the production of gallium arsenide wafers.
Who can benefit from this equipment?
Businesses focused on solar technology, electric vehicles, and the aerospace sector can greatly benefit from this advanced equipment.
How can I contact for further information?
For inquiries, reach out to Chad Farrell or Kevin Shows via the provided contact details.
