Trina Solar Discontinues Development of Polysilicon Production Facility
Changzhou, China, April 14, 2008
Source: Trina Solar Ltd. press release
http://www.trinasolar.com/front/en/news.php?newid=59
Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL – News; “Trina Solar” or the “Company”), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, founded in 1997, today announced its decision to discontinue the development of its previously announced 10,000MT polysilicon production facility having a total estimated cost of $1 billion. The Company also announced that its related equipment supply contract with GT Solar Incorporated (“GT Solar”), which was subject to final approval by the Boards of both companies, will lapse as a result, with the concurrence of both parties.
“We have made this strategic decision after careful assessment of our raw material requirements, in conjunction with recent and favorable long term polysilicon market and supply condition developments.” said Jifan Gao, Trina Solar’s Chairman and CEO. “Furthermore, we wish to reaffirm our strong working relationship with our partner GT Solar, which continues to provide us with advanced multicrystalline technology platforms to support our target of 350MW of annualized module capacity by the end of 2008.”
Tom Zarrella, GT Solar’s CEO, stated, “Trina Solar is a long-term and valued customer, and we look forward to supplying them with our advanced DSS casting platforms and other products and services, as they continue to grow their business aggressively.”
As a result of recent favorable changes in the polysilicon supply environment, Trina Solar now believes it has greater access to polysilicon feedstock to support its growth objectives. To address its forward polysilicon requirements, the Company will continue to sign long term contracts as a means to meet its strategic supply needs. Additionally, Trina Solar will consider strategic investment options in future polysilicon projects which offer attractive economics and involve smaller investment requirements, although no projects are currently under consideration.
The Company will post Q&A relating to this announcement on the Investor Relations homepage of its website.
About Trina Solar Limited
Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL – News), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co. Ltd, is a well recognized manufacturer of high quality modules and has a long history as a solar PV pioneer since it was founded in 1997 as a system installation company.