Created for Leon-based DC Wafers, the state-of-the-art wafer production line (GT-WAFFABTM) includes GT Solar’s GT-DSS450TM ingot growth technology, coupled with advanced wafering systems, and automated in-line inspection tools. GT Solar’s turnkey services process experts worked closely with DC Wafer’s engineers to optimize the wafer line to increase productivity, boost quality and line yields, and lower production costs. The line was designed to produce 30-megawatts (MW) of multi-crystalline solar wafers annually; it will likely exceed that target by up to an additional 5 MW, as the line is already operating at a better than expected polysilicon consumption rate.
“GT Solar’s proven technology and manufacturing know-how, in combination with the expertise of our manufacturing team, have enabled DC Wafers to build an extremely efficient, cost-effective facility that is allowing us to produce high-quality silicon wafers to meet our customers’ very specific needs,” said Ismael Guerrero Arias, DC Wafers’ director and chief technology officer. “Our company is conscious of the positive implications that generating clean energy has for the environment and our local community in terms of job growth, and we are committed to the development of the photovoltaic industry. To those ends, we will continue to focus our R&D strategies on reducing costs, saving energy and achieving maximum quality and efficiency.”
“The successful commissioning of DC Wafer’s new wafer line was accomplished through great teamwork between our teams,” said Ron Jones, vice president and general manager of GT Solar’s turnkey business. “We believe that DC Wafers is well situated in today’s market and we look forward to further strengthening our partnership with them to help optimize their competitive position as they expand their business.”
GT Solar provides turnkey solutions for every process of the PV manufacturing value chain including wafer, cell, and module lines. The company has successfully installed a variety of turnkey line configurations in countries around the globe including China, Greece, India, Italy, Spain, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
GT Solar Opens New Asia Headquarters in Shanghai
GT Solar’s new facility makes it easier for Asian companies to conduct business with GT Solar by reducing the time it takes to obtain products, spare parts and service. The new facility will also be used to provide product demonstrations and training to customers in the region. The facility represents a significant expansion of GT Solar’s presence in Asia, which was first established in 2006.
“This is an exciting day for GT Solar,” said Tom Zarrella, GT Solar’s president and chief executive officer. “Our company has experienced tremendous growth in Asia over the past several years, developing a leading market position in polysilicon reactors, specialized furnaces, and engineering and integration services for the photovoltaic industry.”
“The opening of our Asia Headquarters underscores our commitment to the region and to further strengthening our relationship with our large customer base in Asia,” said Jeff Ford, general manager of GT Solar’s Asia region. “Our expanded presence will enhance the quality, timeliness and responsiveness of our services and products in Asia, and enable us to help our customers further lower the cost of producing solar energy.”
GT Solar’s four-story Asia Headquarters is strategically located in the Gaodong Industrial Park between the Waigaoqiao Terminal Port and Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone. The facility comprises more than 50,000 square feet including a state-of-the-art customer demonstration and training center, an area dedicated to light manufacturing and assembly, spares warehousing, and office space.
GT Solar International, Inc., based in Merrimack, NH, USA, is a leading global provider of specialized production equipment, process technology and turnkey manufacturing services for the solar power industry. The company’s products and services allow its customers to optimize their manufacturing environments and lower their cost of ownership, accelerating the drive towards grid parity.
www.gtsolar.com/
