Signet Solar, a leading manufacturer of silicon thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules, has announced the fabrication of the industry’s first ever Gen 8.5 (5.7 m2) silicon thin film solar PV module at its new factory near Dresden, Germany, in a record-setting ten months from the start of construction.
Having finishing construction of the 200,000 square foot production facility in only seven months, Signet Solar quickly completed installation of equipment and started initial fabrication in less than three months.
The company’s technology lowers the cost of PV modules by combining proven silicon thin film technology, with very large area manufacturing and an industry standard equipment set. The initial modules from the fully automated module manufacturing line met the specification of the product and were confirmed by independent testing by Fraunhofer Institute. Signet will start prototype production in early June 2008.
This was enabled by Signet Solar’s core competency in semiconductor manufacturing along with added expertise from the solar, glass and flat panel display industry. Commercial production will start in Q3 2008 and capacity expansion to over 100MW by 2009 is planned at the same site. The company also benefits from the supply and expertise of industrial and specialty gas from the gases industry and recently concluded a deal with Air Products.
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