On August 23rd, 2011, Solexel Inc. (Milpitas, California, U.S.) and Senai Hi-Tech Park signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a solar photovoltaic (PV) cell manufacturing facility in Senai Hi-Tech Park, in the Iskandar region of Malaysia.

Construction on the first phase of the plant, which will have an annual production capacity of 200 MW, is scheduled to begin in 2012. This phase will represent an investment of USD 275 million.

“We have been very impressed with Malaysia’s business-friendly environment, and in particular, the efficacy and efficiency of the support we have been receiving from MIDA and many other government agencies," states Solexel President & CEO Michael Wingert.

“Through our spending, jobs and transfer of know-how, we expect to bring a strong boost to Malaysia’s high-technology and clean energy economy."

Plans to expand facility to 1 GW of capacity

Solexel ultimately plans to expand the plant to 1 GW of annual cell production capacity on the 40 hectare site in Senai High-Tech Park. The company estimates that this will represent a total cost of over USD 930 million.

Solexel states its manufacturing is based on technology which eliminates a dependence upon the traditional silicon supply chain.

The company also states that it will also invest in regular training of Malaysian employees to expand the domestic base of high-technology manufacturing skills.

The signing ceremony for the MOU was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Razak.

2011-08-25 | Courtesy: Solexel Inc. | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

Our editorial selection of breaking solar news is published at:
www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/top-solar-news.html