Decades at the
forefront of photovoltaics
Although we’re able to look back on a proud tradition of ground-breaking solar photovoltaic achievements since the birth of the industry, CTF Solar is still gaining momentum.
Highlights
Dr. Dieter Bonnet created the world’s first functional cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cell in 1969. The technology would remain at the cutting edge of solar photovoltaics nearly a half century later. This cost-efficient thin-film technology is still advancing by leaps and bounds.
Dr. Michael Harr was the driving force behind the creation of CTF Solar in 2008. He was General Manager until end of 2020 and still is an important advisor for further developments. He was previously a founder and the General Manager of ANTEC Solar GmbH in Arnstadt, Germany. There, he successfully managed the construction of the world’s first commercial CdTe solar module factory. In 1993, with a team including Dr. Dieter Bonnet, he set up ANTEC GmbH as a management buyout from the Battelle Institute with the aim of applying CdTe and other technologies to an industrial production process.
In 2025, CTF Solar achieved CdTe cell efficiency of 21.5%. With the new dedicated research facility in Dresden, the stage is set for CTF Solar to continue its string of innovations.
Timeline
1969
Dr. Dieter Bonnet creates world’s first functioning cadmium telluride solar cell
1990s
Bonnet, Dr. Michael Harr, and Karl-Heinz Fischer pioneer commercial production of CdTe thin film modules
1993
ANTEC Solar GmbH established as management buyout
2008
Roth & Rau Group acquires CTF Solar GmbH
2011
CTIEC, part of the Chinese CNBM Group, acquires CTF Solar
2014
New R&D centre in Dresden opens doors, CdTe cells developed with 15.2% efficiency
2016
CdTe factory in Chengdu, China begins production
2020
Dr. Michael Bauer takes over the role of General Manager
2020
R&D pilot line in Dresden upgraded at new location
2022
CdTe factory in Handan, China begins production
2023
CdTe factory in Ruichang, China begins production
2023
Dr. Bastian Siepchen assumes the role of General Manager
2025
Ownership of CTF Solar transferred to CNBM Research Institute for Advanced Glass Materials Group (BGI)
2025
CdTe thin-film module factory in Zhuzhou, China completed with a capacity of 300 MWp
2025
CdTe solar cell efficiency of 21.5% certified by the Laboratory for Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Conversion, Coburg University of Applied Sciences
2026