Amtech, Yingli Green Energy, and ECN Join Efforts to Develop N-type MWT High Efficiency PV Cell and Module

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS), a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, semiconductors, and sapphire and silicon wafers, today announced that its solar division, Tempress Systems, has joined Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) (“Yingli Green Energy” or the “Company”), a leading solar energy company and one of the world's largest vertically integrated photovoltaic (“PV”) manufacturers, which markets its products under the brand “Yingli Solar,” and the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (“ECN”), a leading solar research center in Europe, in a three-party research collaboration on the N-type Metal Wrap Through (“N-MWT”) PV cell and module technology. This joint project was an extension of Project PANDA, which was kicked off in 2009. As of the date of this press release, a cell efficiency of 19.7% and a module efficiency of 17.6% have been achieved in the laboratory, respectively.

The N-MWT PV cell technology is expected to reduce up to 40% of the metal coverage comparing to standard crystalline cells, which leads to approximately 1.5% relative cell efficiency gain. ECN has also shown that the PV modules based on N-MWT technology can be made with thin cells at high yield, which demonstrates the potential to reduce the wafer thickness and silicon consumption, leading to a large cost reduction potential.

J.S. Whang, Chief Executive Officer of Amtech, commented, "We are again pleased that the PANDA technology using our advanced diffusion technology, combined with MWT, is enabling Yingli to take the next step to higher module efficiencies. Partnering in technology solutions is part of our long-term strategy."

Yingli Green Energy announced the achievements of this three-party research collaboration in a press release dated September 7, 2011.

About Amtech Systems, Inc.

Amtech Systems, Inc. manufactures capital equipment, including silicon wafer handling automation, thermal processing equipment and related consumables used in fabricating solar cells, LED and semiconductor devices. Semiconductors, or semiconductor chips, are fabricated on silicon wafer substrates, sliced from ingots, and are part of the circuitry, or electronic components, of many products including solar cells, computers, telecommunications devices, automotive products, consumer goods, and industrial automation and control systems. The Company’s wafer handling, thermal processing and consumable products currently address the diffusion, oxidation, and deposition steps used in the fabrication of solar cells, semiconductors, MEMS and the polishing of LEDs and newly sliced silicon wafers.

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation Securities Reform Act. Such statements may use words such as “proposed,” "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," “goal,” “guidance,” "intend," ”outlook,” "predict," "project" and similar expressions as they relate to Amtech Systems, Inc. or our management. When we make forward-looking statements, we are basing them on our management's beliefs and assumptions, using information currently available to us. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including the risks discussed in our 10-K and 10-Q reports and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these risks materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what we projected. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We have no intention, and disclaim any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.

Amtech Systems, Inc.
Bradley C. Anderson
Chief Financial Officer
480-967-5146
or
MKR Group, Inc.
Investor Relations
Todd Kehrli or Jim Byers
323-468-2300
asys@mkr-group.com

Source: Amtech Systems, Inc.

Released September 8, 2011