SolarWorld Taps Polycrystalline Technology to Expand U.S. Output of Industry-Leading Sunmodule™ Solar Panels
Sunmodule™ Plus poly solar panels ranging to 240-watt-peak are available now
HILLSBORO, Ore. – SolarWorld's premium-quality Sunmodule™ solar panels, manufactured in the USA using monocrystalline technology for more than 35 years, now also incorporate high-performance polycrystalline technology. SolarWorld factories in Oregon and California are producing polycrystalline solar panels featuring power densities of 230 and 240 watts peak.
The largest and most experienced U.S. producer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic panels, SolarWorld is dramatically expanding supplies of high-performance silicon solar panels of both crystal types at a time of heightened worldwide demand. The company's U.S. facilities have reached a national leadership capacity of 500 MW. The move further demonstrates SolarWorld's bold commitment to developing and serving solar market segments in the Americas, even amid diminishing industry output there.
SolarWorld's U.S.-made Sunmodule™ Plus poly panels come with the same high quality, performance and reliability as well as 25-year linear performance guarantee as its monocrystalline panels. SolarWorld's facilities in Hillsboro, Oregon, and Camarillo, California, still undertake every step in the monocrystalline value chain – crystals, wafers, cells and panels. Now they also are ramping up production of polycrystalline cells and panels.
"In these times of tight supplies, our years of commitment to building much greater production volume and versatility are paying off for our customers in the Americas with the best that both silicon technologies offer," said Kevin Kilkelly, president of SolarWorld Americas. "Our production advances will equip our installer and distribution partners with everything they need to succeed in a market that demands nothing less than domestic production, proven reliability and high performance."
The basic distinction between the two technologies results from differing processes for crystallizing silicon. In the monocrystalline process, a single cylindrical crystal slowly grows inside a furnace. In the polycrystalline process, molten silicon forms multiple crystal lattices as it quickly cools in a square mold.
About SolarWorld AG
SolarWorld AG manufactures solar power systems and in doing so contributes to a cleaner energy supply worldwide. The company, located in Bonn, employs approximately 3,000 people and carries out production in Freiberg, Germany, and Hillsboro, USA. From raw material silicon to the solar module, SolarWorld manages all stages of production ‒ including its own research and development. Through an international distribution network, SolarWorld supplies customers all over the world with solar modules and complete systems. The company maintains high social standards at all locations across the globe, and has committed itself to resource- and energy-efficient production. SolarWorld has been publically traded on the stock market since 1999 and is quoted in the technology index TecDax. SolarWorld achieved sales of about one billion Euros for the fiscal year 2011. More information at www.solarworld-usa.com.
Media Contact:
Devon Cichoski
Media relations manager
SolarWorld Americas
4650 Adohr Lane
Camarillo, CA 93012
Mobile: 805-377-2905
Office: 805-388-6388
devon.cichoski(at)solarworld-usa.com