Solar PV manufacturing in 2016 has seen the highest capex (capital expenditure) levels for years, and a return to capacity expansion plans. Furthermore, many of the companies announcing the capacity expansions are doing so for the first time, especially at the cell and module stage.
Polysilicon producer REC Silicon’s strategy to win customers outside China via discounted pricing on its FBR granular polysilicon is set to continue after Chinese anti-dumping duties are dropped and when its joint venture FBR (B) facility in China starts production in the second-half of 2017.
Polysilicon producer REC Silicon has said that granular polysilicon production, produced by its FBR (Fluidised Bed Reactor) technology would be impacted by a fire at the restart-up phase of its Silane IV gas production facility on July 1, 2016.
Crystal growth equipment supplier GT Advanced Technologies (GTAT) said it secured a number of polysilicon and wafer related orders from customers based in Asia.
Major US-based polysilicon producer Hemlock Semiconductor has become majority owned by Dow Chemical, which has assumed 100% ownership of Dow Corning, a 40% owner in Hemlock as part of the previously announced strategic realignment.
Silicon module super league member (SMSL) JA Solar is to provide 420MW of modules for China’s National Energy Administration’s (NEA) “Front Runner” programme which aims to promote the development of advanced solar PV technology by domestic suppliers.