Spire upgrades, expands solar PV technology center

Spire Solar has upgraded and expanded the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) located at its Bedford, MA, headquarters. The center includes a state-of-the-art PV module production line for product development and PV material evaluations, including solar cells. It also features the company's simulator, cell string assembler, cell tester, lamination system, and other advanced module manufacturing equipment for customer evaluation and training.

In addition, the ATC staff provides expert technical and engineering support for the assembly of customer modules. Modules made for Spire's turnkey production line customers can be used for early certification to accelerate their entry into the market. The ATC lab is able to produce modules that qualify for UL 1703, IEC 61215, and other U.S. and international standards.

Chairman/CEO Roger Little said that the company's investment in the center "has been made to support Spire's 'Come to America' program. This program is designed to bring international module manufacturers to the U.S. to take advantage of the federal government's stimulus bill funding.

"The bill funding is aimed at putting more solar energy on line and creating millions of new jobs in America," he continued. "It promises to make the U.S. the fastest-growing PV market in the world over the next few years. This facility is an important asset to our bringing new manufacturers online rapidly."

The company did not disclose how much it has invested in the enhancements at the technology center.

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