WACKER starts systematic research and development on hyperpure polysilicon. Just one year later, WACKER’s polysilicon purity is at the level of one impurity atom in every 10 million silicon atoms.

1954

WACKER begins industrial-scale production of polysilicon for semiconductors (output of 325 kg/a) and continuous upscaling of the site in Burghausen (Germany) over the following years.

1959

2000

2010

1960/70

Every second silicon atom in the semiconductor industry comes from WACKER.

1976/77

1980/90

Silicon-based computers are introduced for broader use in industry and society.

Mobile phones gradually start to appear in the hands of consumers for the first time. By the late 1990s, mobile devices were fast becoming the norm thanks to developments in design and performance.

WACKER develops a new cost-efficient process for multicrystalline solar wafers. The technology is introduced on the market and WACKER focuses on expanding its capacity for hyperpure polysilicon.

The German Renewable Energy Act (EEG) is introduced, leading to the rapid growth of photovoltaics and polysilicon demand. The “Energiewende” becomes a role model for other countries.

WACKER starts production of dedicated solar-grade polysilicon in Burghausen (Germany).

2000

Since 2005, WACKER has invested over €2 bn to expand its German sites in Nünchritz and Burghausen; polysilicon production for photovoltaics increases.

2005

Silicon-based smartphones and then tablets are making everyone’s life more convenient.

2007

Worldwide photovoltaic capacity rises to over 100 GW.

2012

The global capacity of photovoltaics crosses the 200 GW line and continues to grow.

2015

WACKER invests $2.5 bn and opens a new production site for solar-grade polysilicon in Charleston (USA), increasing WACKER’s polysilicon capacity to 80,000 metric tons per year.

2016

The Road Ahead

The combination of highly efficient solar systems and the latest storage technology represents a game changer for the global energy supply and for mobility.

WACKER’s R&D facility, the “Consortium für Elektrochemische Industrie”, is conducting extensive research in the field of lithium-ion battery technology.