Motech Industries, the largest producer of solar cells in Taiwan, is preparing to establish production lines to grow crystalline silicon and slice silicon ingots into solar wafers on behalf of US-based MEMC Electronic Materials, according to Motech CEO Simon Tsuo. Annual capacity will be equivalent to 1.2MWp (megawatts-peak), added Tsuo.
The establishment of the production lines partially fulfills terms outlined in a letter of intent (LOI) signed with MEMC in April, Tsuo explained. Tsuo futher explained that Motech was helping MEMC plan and develop the production lines and that Motech currently has no plans to enter into the production of silicon wafers.
According to industry sources, Motech is seeking a site in the Tainan Science Park (TSP) located in southern Taiwan to construct a plant for producing solar silicon wafers. Tsuo indicated that Motech is seeking a factory site for the aforementioned purpose but that the site is not necessarily in the TSP.
The planned solar silicon wafers capacity is earmarked for MEMC and Motech will not consider volume production for self-supply or other purposes until the production lines are running smoothly, Tsuo emphasized.
If Motech engages in volume production of solar silicon wafers, the output is expected for own use because sales to outside users conflicts with the interest of MEMC, the industry sources pointed out.
Article translated by Adam Hwang and edited by Eric Mah
