Signet
Solar has announced the fabrication of the industry’s largest silicon
thin-film PV module at its new factory in Dresden, Germany. The Gen 8.5
(5.7m2) module was completed a mere ten months after the
start of the 200,000 square foot facility’s construction, which was
completed after seven months with equipment installation and initial
fabrication completed within three months.
The modules, which were independently tested by the Fraunhofer Institute, will be showcased at the Intersolar Conference in Munich in June. Commercial production of the modules will begin in Q3 2008, with a planned capacity expansion to over 100MW planned by 2009.
“The concept of ultra-large modules was very attractive to our customers. We now have demonstrated the capability to produce ultra-large modules on a fully integrated line,” commented Dr. Rajeeva Lahri, CEO and founder of Signet Solar, Inc. “This is a very important milestone for us as it sets the stage for a model manufacturing line which will be replicated globally to expand capacity.”
By Síle Mc Mahon