MEMC to fabricate solar cells in JV

MEMC is filling-in a missing link in its polysilicon to solar projects manufacturing portfolio with the establishment of monocrystalline cell production through a joint venture with equipment supplier Jusung Engineering. At a cost of US$32 million, shared equally between the new partners, an initial 100MW of capacity is expected to begin production in the first half of 2012. The deal was signed by MEMC Singapore, though it was unclear whether the location of the cell plant would be in Singpaore or Korea, where Junsung is headquartered. The cells will used in modules for MEMC’s project arm, SunEdison.

The new partnership said it would combine MEMC's proprietary Solaicx CCZ (Continuous Czockhralski) monocrystalline wafers with Jusung's high efficiency cell manufacturing equipment to provide high-efficiency solar cells at a low cost to support overall cost reductions for PV power projects.

"The resulting innovative solar cells can be used by MEMC's SunEdison subsidiary in solar power projects,” noted Ken Hannah, President of MEMC Solar Materials. “This proprietary cell platform is expected to not only provide a low cost high efficiency module but also significantly reduce the project balance of system cost per watt.  It is another example of MEMC's continuous drive to provide our customers with some of the best products and services in the industry, and to lower the overall installed cost of solar energy."

The collaboration will also support Junsung’s business efforts as the deal struck will mean it can offer the same equipments set used in the JV to potential customers.

Mr. CJ Hwang, CEO of Jusung commented, “While this is a new partnership for Jusung, our goal is unchanged – to develop innovative equipment technologies to delight our customers."