SVTC Technologies attracts JA Solar to new Photovoltaic Development Center

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

SVTC
Technologies has officially launched its Silicon Valley Photovoltaic
Development Center, with the aim of becoming a leading RD&E center
for the global photovoltaics industry. The new center is located in an
87,000 square foot facility in south San Jose, California, and cost
between $20 and $30 million. The facility will also house a 5MW turnkey
solar manufacturing line from Roth & Rau.

“SVTC Technologies has seen a surge in demand for a facility devoted exclusively to the solar industry, which is why we have established the Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center,” said Kurt Laetz, SVTC Solar program manager. “We want to serve the solar manufacturers already here and attract new ones, helping to establish Silicon Valley as North America’s premier environment for solar innovation. By tapping into the enormous talent, creative energy and financial support focused in this region, we intend to do for solar energy what Silicon Valley has done for other high-tech industries.”

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

According to SVTC, solar cell manufacturers and solar start-ups will be able to access the Roth & Rau equipment for product development purposes, while Roth & Rau will benefit from having these potential customers working on their tools. Additionally, Roth & Rau will use the Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center as its North American demonstration showroom.

“It is a testament to the power of our mission, and to the respect that SVTC Technologies has gained worldwide, that companies of the caliber of Roth & Rau have chosen to join our Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center at its inception,” said Laetz. “Being able to offer an automated solar cell manufacturing line, as well as crucial certification services, will be extremely valuable for manufacturers of new solar products.”

“SVTC Solar is providing a vital piece of the solar energy puzzle in the U.S., and we immediately recognized the importance of being a partner in their venture from the beginning,” said Dietmar Roth, CEO of Roth & Rau AG. “We are pleased to bring our solar cell manufacturing equipment and extensive industry expertise to this exciting new photovoltaic development center and using it as our North American demonstration showroom.”

JA Solar has also signed a letter of intent to locate its North American research and development operations in the Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center.

“We are very impressed with the Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center’s facilities, services and goals,” said Dr. Kang Sun, President and COO of JA Solar. “We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the center and with SVTC Solar, which we expect will result in our ability to develop exciting new products for our customers worldwide.”

Read Next

Premium
October 10, 2025
Gaëtan Masson of IEA PVPS warns of overcapacity, collapsing prices and slipping module quality in the new Trends in PV Applications report.
October 10, 2025
The European solar module market has reached a “state of equilibrium” in recent weeks, with stable prices and regular demand.
October 10, 2025
US solar recycling firm OnePlanet has achieved the R2v3 certification from electronics sustainability non-profit SERI, which represents the “highest standards of traceability”.
October 10, 2025
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has signed an MoU with the Government of Gujarat to develop 15GW renewable energy projects in Gujarat.
October 10, 2025
Australia's renewable energy sector recorded its slowest month of the year for additions in September, with 5.8GW of new projects added to development pipelines, according to data from Rystad Energy.
October 9, 2025
The Australian government has announced the results of the fourth Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender, with 6.6GW of renewables awarded long-term contracts.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK