First Solar Vietnam celebrates arrival of Series 6 manufacturing equipment
Setting a new industry benchmark for reliability, design, and environmental performance, the highly anticipated Series 6 will debut with an anticipated 445-Watt generation capacity and 18 per cent conversion efficiency, securing First Solar’s position as the leading PV technology manufacturer globally.
Joining First Solar executives and associates to celebrate the ceremony were industry guests including the People’s Committee of Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, the Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing and Industrial Zone Authority (HEPZA), Linh Trung Customs, and Saigon Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG).
The delivery was a primary component for a Vapor Transport Deposition (VTD) coater, the machine that applies semiconductor material to glass. The component arrived in one of the largest of the 10 crates that contained sections of the coater. Once fully assembled, the equipment’s dimensions will be 60.4m (length) x10.2m (width) x 5.1m (height) and will weigh almost 29 tonnes.
First Solar Vietnam’s managing director Chan See Chong emphasised the IZ facility’s role in the company’s future plans. “As First Solar launches its new Series 6 module, we are proud to have the two newest manufacturing facilities here in Vietnam.
This demonstrates our company’s confidence that Vietnam will be instrumental in meeting our goals, thanks in part to the local workforce and by working with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, HEPZA, Customs, and Saigon VRG. The arrival of this key piece of equipment in Southeast IZ marks the beginning of a new era for First Solar manufacturing.”
The recent injection of an additional $360 million investment capital into the construction of the second 1.2GW high-tech factory brought First Solar’s total investment capital in Vietnam to $830 million. With preliminary module production expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2018, the two factories will produce 2.4GW of First Solar’s Series 6 modules annually when fully operational.
Mike Koralewski, senior vice president for Global Module Manufacturing, expressed the company’s commitment to manufacturing in Vietnam. “First Solar has pulled forward our manufacturing plans for the initial factory and recently committed to a second factory here in the IZ.
We have strong customer demand for our new Series 6 product and our investment in Vietnam is a critical component of our future success. We have full confidence in our local team’s ability to bring these factories to life and make an immediate contribution as we strive to lead the world’s sustainable energy future.”
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive PV solar systems which use its advanced module and system technology. The company’s integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment.
