Kenmos PV prepares thin-film solar cell production in 3Q
by Nuying Huang, Taipei; Esther Lam
Source: DIGITIMES, 20 May 2008
http://digitimes.com/print/a20080520PD212.html
With production equipment slated to be ready in late May, Kenmos PV, a joint venture of Kenmos Technology and NanoPV, said it plans for volume production of thin-film solar cells in the third quarter of 2008, with an initial annual capacity set at 10 peak megawatt (MWp).
Kenmos PV indicated that it will move into volume production in the third quarter when all equipment is ready in late May. The company adopts equipment from US-based NanoPV. Taking into consideration that thin-film solar cells are relatively new in the solar power industry, as well as the importance of power conversion efficiency, Kenmos said it plans for an initial annual capacity of just 10MWp. But it noted that next-phase expansion has been already planned. The company’s solar cells currently deliver a power conversion efficiency of 5.5-7%.
Kenmos stressed that order visibility lasts through year-end of 2008. Key customers will be construction companies and customers located in southeast Asia. Since certification for thin-film solar cells takes about one year, Kenmos indicated that it would apply for certification once volume production started. The company said it has strong interest from customers, despite the company’s products having not yet been certified by well-known authorities.