Thin-film module manufacturer Stion has announced that it will begin shipping from its Mississippi factory after receiving certifications from Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and International Electrotechnical Commissions (IEC). The move follows the development of modules with a nominal power of up to 140W. Commercial shipments will commence from the Hattiesburg plant later this month.
Chet Farris, Stion’s CEO, said, “Beginning shipments from Hattiesburg less than one year after starting construction represents a tremendous accomplishment by our team. We are excited to strengthen our position as a leading US-based manufacturer of solar modules, and bring thin film to a broad range of applications and markets globally.”
The PTC/STC ratio – a measurement of the module’s field performance versus standard test conditions – is said to be higher in Stion’s modules than in 95% of competing modules listed for use by the California Solar Initiative.
Expansion of the proposed 500MW Hattiesburg plant is ongoing; the first phase of development has a 100MW production capacity annually. The company’s headquarters in San Jose will also receive considerable expansion. Following a US$130 million equity investment headed by AVACO in late 2011, Stion is to build a manufacturing subsidiary in South Korea. ‘Stion Korea’ will receive an initial injection of US$35 million and aims to serve the Asian and European markets.
