Spire will provide Dongyang with a semi-automated crystalline cell module manufacturing line capable of producing up to 12MW of photovoltaic (PV) modules per year. Spire will also supply the process technology and training to operate the factory. The line is designed to be easily doubled at a later date and will integrate Spire’s key assembly, lamination and testing machines along with intermediate tooling stations.
Exports of solar-power related equipment have recently begun and have already risen from $45 million in 2006 to more than $180 million in 2007. This is projected to increase to $1.5 billion by 2020 and to more than $6.3 billion by 2030. Government projections also indicate that South Korea will generate some 4GW of electricity through solar power by 2020, Spire noted.
Roger Little, chairman and CEO of Spire, said: The South Korean solar market is in the early stages of a capacity boom, and we are pleased to partner with Dongyang Creditech to be a part of this dramatic growth. Domestic solar manufacturing will be critical in meeting this demand.
