Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR) has introduced a 25-megawatt (MW) cell-module turnkey photovoltaic production line that integrates both cell and module manufacturing into a single process.
The process converts silicon wafers directly into modules. Traditionally wafers are made into cells and then into modules.
Although Spire will continue to offer standalone cell and module manufacturing lines, this integrated factory design takes advantage of continuous material flow for automated, efficient production of modules from wafers, the company said.
"With the coming availability of low cost wafers, and the move toward higher scale and vertical integration, this is the quickest route to becoming a serious player in the photovoltaic manufacturing business," says Roger Little, Spire’s Chairman and CEO. "We can make both lines more efficient by combining them. By adding commonality throughout the line, our customers will have the best possible handling of the wafers and cells that represent the majority of their operating costs."
Spire introduced the line at the Intersolar 2008 tradeshow at the New Munich Tradefair Center in Munich, Germany from June 12 through June 14, 2008.
About Spire Corporation
Spire Corporation is a global solar company providing turnkey production lines and capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic cells and modules worldwide. Spire Semiconductor provides processing technology for Spire’s silicon solar cell manufacturing lines and produces and sells custom gallium arsenide cells for solar concentrator systems.
Loading...