Suniva secures $4.5m DOE grant for solar manufacturing innovations

Suniva has received a $4.5m grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to pursue innovations at its manufacturing processes for solar cells and modules.

The company, in partnership with Georgia Institute of Technology, will use the grant to develop a low-cost highly efficient silicon photovoltaic cell.

Suniva intends to bring the new cell being developed into the marketplace within three years that would meet the SunShot 2020 target of not more than $0.50/W module cost.

Suniva is one of the five companies to receive the grant under the SunShot Solar Manufacturing Technology (SolarMat) program as part of the DOE’s SunShot Initiative.

The SolarMat program awards funds for the development of innovative manufacturing technologies that can reduce the cost of solar panels below $0.50/W with improvements that increase module power while decreasing manufacturing costs in one to four years.

Suniva, with 450MW of manufacturing base across the globe, has been awarded the grant for its 200MW cell and module factory in Norcross, Georgia.

Suniva co-founder and chief technology officer Ajeet Rohatgi said the DOE selected the company to help with important technology innovations that provide unique, differentiated products for the solar industry.

"World-class power at affordable prices from a U.S. manufacturer is an attractive combination for the solar marketplace and helps the U.S. to maintain its technology innovation edge," Rohatgi added.

The four other awardees include: Abengoa Solar, PPG Industries, Solaria and SolarWorld Industries America.

………………………………..

http://www.suniva.com/documents/DOE%20Grant%20Press%20Release-%202013%2012%2012.pdf

Suniva Awarded $4.5 Million for Innovations in Solar Manufacturing
The United States Department of Energy announced yesterday that Suniva has been awarded a $4.5 million grant to pursue innovations in its manufacturing processes for solar cells and modules. This award funds attractive next generation technologies that are capable of reducing the cost of solar panels below $0.50/watt with improvements that increase module power while decreasing manufacturing costs.
The unique intersection of high efficiency and low manufacturing costs has been a founding and guiding principle of Suniva since its 2007 inception. Suniva operates 450MW of manufacturing globally, including its flagship 200MW cell and module facility in Norcross, Georgia, which is the site selected for this grant provided by the Solar Manufacturing Technology (SolarMat) program, sponsored by the Energy Department. Suniva was one of only five companies to receive the grant.
"We are excited that the Department of Energy chose Suniva to help with these important technology innovations that provide unique, differentiated products for the solar industry," said Dr. Ajeet Rohatgi, co-founder and chief technology officer of Suniva. "World-class power at affordable prices from a U.S. manufacturer is an attractive combination for the solar marketplace and helps the U.S. to maintain its technology innovation edge."
As part of the Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative, these awards will help lower the cost of solar electricity, support a growing U.S. solar workforce and increase U.S. competitiveness in the global clean energy market. Click to read more about the award winners.
About Suniva:
Suniva® is the leading American manufacturer of high-efficiency crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and high-power solar modules. The company is known for its high-quality products, industry-leading technology, reliability and high power density. Headquartered in metro-Atlanta, GA, Suniva sells its advanced PV cells and modules globally. For additional information on how Suniva is making solar sensible, visit www.suniva.com.