Construction on TSMC Thin-Film CIGS Solar Cell Plant to Begin
Source/Type: News - Staff reports

August 30, 2010... Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a large contract chip maker, reported that work on its first thin film solar cell plant is expected to begin in September, according to an article in Focus Taiwan. Rick Tsai, president of TSMC's new businesses division, indicated that the new plant will focus on developing modules for copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film solar cells. TSMC previously entered the silicon solar cell sector by purchasing a 20 percent stake in Motech Industries Inc., Taiwan's biggest solar cell maker, in January. At the opening ceremony of a green job fair, Tsai stated that machines and equipment will be installed in TSMC's LED research and development center and plant in Hsinchu beginning next month.

Construction on the LED plant began last March and mass production is expected in 2011. TSMC also acquired a 21-percent stake in U.S. solar photovoltaic company Stion in July to obtain technology for thin-film solar cells. Tsai said TSMC is expected to recruit at least 500 people to help develop its green energy businesses in the next 12 months.

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