Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

SolarWorld AG has opened Germany’s largest photovoltaic module manufacturing facility. The capacity expansion takes the company’s annual production from 170 megawatts (MW) to 600. Over 250 extra jobs are also expected to be created.

GT Solar International, Inc. has received a $228 million order from OCI Company, Ltd. for its polysilicon production equipment and technology. It is said to be the company’s largest to date.

Marking its entry into the North American market, Schmid has sold a 60 megawatt photovoltaic module line to Ontario-based Magnum Pv.

Tianwei New Energy (Yangzhou) is to supply Germany-based Pairan with 280 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic modules over the next two years. The company also announced its factory expansion plans.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. has introduced a third production shift at its photovoltaic panel manufacturing facility in Goodyear, Arizona. The expansion has created an additional 30 jobs.

Having successfully completed its first night flight last July, the Solar Impulse HB-SIA airplane has now completed its first international flight.

Canadian Solar Inc. is to supply 81 megawatts worth of its photovoltaic modules to Germany-based Saferay GmbH.

Under an expanded agreement, Flextronics will produce photovoltaic panels for MEMC’s SunEdison subsidiary at its Malaysian manufacturing site.

According to research, photovoltaic module shipments have declined for the first time since the start of 2009. Prices are also “rapidly” decreasing. While this situation is expected to continue into the second quarter, predictions are 24 gigawatts (GW) will be shipped throughout 2011.

GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd. has ordered wire saws representing over 2.5 gigawatts of wafering capacity from Applied Materials. The order value was not disclosed.