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Solar Frontier is installing newly enhanced proprietary CIS production lines at its upcoming production facility, Tohoku Plant. Based on established technology at Solar Frontier’s Kunitomi Plant, the improved production lines will reduce production costs with better product.
The Tohoku Plant features upgrades from Solar Frontier’s existing production lines using advanced technology developed in R&D at its Atsugi Research Center (ARC). When the track being completed in March 2015, the lines will enhance Solar Frontier’s position in CIS as well as help further adoption of thin-film technology around the world. The plant will also drive the availability of distributed energy solutions in Japan, especially for the residential and commercial markets in the Tohoku area.
Satoru Kuriyagawa, Chief Technology Officer of Solar Frontier, commented: “The Tohoku Plant manufacturing process leverages cutting-edge technology developed at our ARC, partnered with proven line technology from our Kunitomi Plant to deliver significant enhancements.”
The new lines will also enable important product upgrades, including adjustments to the voltage and current of the modules. The upgrades will enable more freedom in system design and make placement of cables and other wiring more efficient. Also, leveraging Solar Frontier’s world record-breaking 20.9% conversion efficiency technology, modules coming off the mass-production line will achieve efficiencies of over 15%.
These product improvements build on the performance advantages of CIS, a technology that generates more kWh per kWp in real world conditions compared to crystalline silicon panels. Generating more kWh per kWp installed is a key factor in the financial success of residential rooftop and commercial projects.