Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

ASP increases module production capacity on back of utility-scale demand

U.S.-based Advanced Solar Photonics, LLC (ASP) has announced it is increasing production of its 400 Watt monocrystalline photovoltaic panels on the back of growing demand.

There is room to expand to 250 MW of annual module production.

Advanced Solar Photonics

A spokesperson for the company told pv magazine that capacity will ramp up from 75 megawatts (MW) to 100 MW this year, due to increased demand for utility-scale projects throughout the U.S., in particular, from solar farms and military bases.

They added that the new line will be incorporated into ASP’s existing 300,000 square foot facilities in Lake Mary, Florida. There is room to expand to 250 MW of annual module production. While the spokesperson would not reveal the investment amount, they did say that ICT investments is a key investor in the company.

In a separate statement released, ASP said the new production line will feature a combined tabbing and stringing machine, and the use of robotics, which will reportedly reduce the handling time for solar cells.

It continued, "In utility scale applications using 400 Watt modules, a project would require less modules, less connectors, less racking, less copper ground wire, and less weeb lugs –all in a smaller footprint.  Reduced materials allows for less shipping, less labor and less cost."