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INDUSTRYNEWS


Crystallized improvement


centrotherm SiTec has achieved a new cell efficiency record through an improved process in its crystallization furnace to produce multi-crystalline ingots. Average efficiencies of 16.6 percent, and a peak result of up to 17.0 percent, were achieved under regular production conditions on a pilot line. The standard market levels usually achieved are between 16.2 and 16.4 percent on multi- crystalline material. centrotherm SiTec also cut manufacturing costs by eight percent with the new crystallization process compared with the previous process sequence.


At the module level, values of around 236 Watt peak (Wp) per module were recorded – which usually stand at market levels from 210 to 220 Wp.


"This achievement underscores the validity of our strategy. Our work is bearing fruit in terms of efficiency enhancements and optimized processes that are accompanied by lower manufacturing costs along the entire solar value-creation chain", commented Dr. Albrecht Mozer, CEO of centrotherm SiTec. "We are the only fully integrated equipment provider that covers the entire photovoltaic value-creation chain all the way from polysilicon production through to solar cell and module manufacturing. We also adjust the process steps to allow the best possible integration, and we take a very targeted approach to achieving further improvements."


In the multi-crystalline ingot furnace, polysilicon particles are initially smelted in a quartz crucible at over 1,450° Celsius. The silicon melt is then converted into multi-crystalline ingots by a process of directional solidification. Bars and wafers are then cut from these crystallized silicon blocks, before being processed to produce solar cells and modules.


The crystallization furnace regularly contains up to 500 kg of polysilicon, and has an optimized hot zone for a quartz crucible of 880 mm x 880 mm x 420 mm, which enables an efficient silicon smelting process and optimized crystallization process management. Further progress has also been made with the capacity of the multi-crystalline ingot furnace: the high-performance furnace can be utilized for up to 650 kg of polysilicon without major modifications.


Polycrystalline venture in Malaysia


Tokuyama Corporation is to build a new factory in Sarawak, Malaysia, to manufacture polycrystalline silicon for solar cells. The annual production capacity of the new factory will be 6,000 tons. The factory construction costs are estimated to be approximately ¥65 billion, apart from the costs of infrastructure and utilities facilities.


In order to make costs related to this factory construction project clearer, the Company newly conducted a detailed


examination regarding utilities facilities, including electric power receiving facilities and hydrogen generators, and infrastructure facilities, including roads and wastewater-treatment equipment.


Based on the result of this examination, the Company estimates the costs of the infrastructure facilities and utilities facilities to be approximately ¥15 billion. Tokuyama Malaysia will acquire property, plant and equipment that is related to this ongoing project.


TSMC To Invest $319.6 million Into LEDs & Solar Cells


TSMC will put forward $101.6 million for a LED production line and $218 million to construct a fab for the production of thin-film solar photovoltaic modules.


Following its July 2010 financial release, Taiwanese firm TSMC held a meeting of the Board of Directors, which passed a number of resolutions.


They approved capital appropriations of US $319.6 million to develop new businesses, including US$ 101.6 million for a LED production line and US$218 million to construct a fab for the production of thin-film solar photovoltaic modules.


13


TSMC's net sales for July 2010, on an unconsolidated basis, were approximately NT$36.16 billion, an increase of 3 % over June 2010 and an increase of 19.4 % over July 2009. Revenues for January through July 2010 totaled NT$226.97 billion, an increase of 62.3 % compared to the same period in 2009.


On a consolidated basis, net sales for July 2010 were approximately NT$ 37.22 billion, an increase of 2.4 % over June 2010 and an increase of 19.4 % over July 2009. Revenues for January through July 2010 totaled NT$234.37 billion, an increase of 61.8 % compared to the same period in 2009.


www.solar-pv-management.com Issue VI 2010


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