LDK Solar keeps rolling out 200MWp solar-grade silicon wafers a quarter
by Nuying Huang, Taipei; Adam Hwang
Source: DIGITIMES, 15 May 2009
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20090515PD200.html
LDK Solar, the largest China-based producer of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon wafers, maintains a quarterly shipment level of at least 200MWp in equivalent, for all of its supply contracts are on long-term basis and not influenced by the current depressed market, according to company chairman and CEO Xiaofeng Peng. However, a few clients have requested temporary delay in shipment of wafers due to insufficient funds and/or orders, Peng indicated while in Taipei. LDK’s annual capacity in 2009 will be equivalent to 1,500MWp, the same as in 2008, Peng said.
LDK has stepped into production of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) mainly for own use, with a factory having begun production and another under construction, Peng indicated. The first factory has a capacity of 1,000 metric tons of poly-Si a year at an average production cost of nearly US$40/kg, while the second one will have a much larger annual capacity of 15,000 metric tons and can reach a lower average production cost of US$20-30/kg due to economy of scale, Peng said. With the second factory set to kick off production later in the second quarter of 2009, LDK expects to produce 2,000-2,500 metric tons of poly-Si in 2009, Peng said.
LDK and Germany-based solar cell maker Q-Cells SE in April 2009 set up a joint venture, LQ Energy, to supply photovoltaic (PV) systems for PV power-generating projects in Europe and China, Peng noted. LQ Energy is constructing a 41.5MWp PV power plant in Germany, he added.