IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP) has announced that it has signed an MoU with First Solar, Inc., the largest American photovoltaic (PV) solar manufacturer.
The two organizations intend to cooperate on a range of research and development (R&D) activities including the localization of supply chains in India of thin film and other next-generation PV technologies, high-volume manufacturing, testing of PV modules, and high-value recycling.
Pleased to collaborate
Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, President – IIT Madras Research Park, IITM Incubation Cell & RTBI, said, “First Solar is the world leader in thin film solar and its knowledge and track record in both R&D and high volume manufacturing represents a tremendous opportunity for India, which is working to secure its clean energy supply chains. First Solar has demonstrated the potential of thin film to counter China’s dominance of crystalline silicon with high performance solar panels that are competitive, sustainable, and responsibly produced. We are pleased to collaborate with the company to broaden our understanding of its technology, while sharing our expertise in renewables.”
Also read: IESA Forges Partnership With IIT Madras Research Park
No China connection
Unique among the world’s ten largest solar manufacturers for being the only US-headquartered company, for not using a crystalline silicon (c-Si) semiconductor, and for not manufacturing in China, First Solar produces its thin film PV modules using a fully integrated, continuous process under one roof and does not rely on Chinese c-Si supply chains. The company’s eco-efficient module technology, which uses its proprietary Cadmium Telluride (CadTel) semiconductor, has the lowest carbon and water footprints of any PV module available today.
New domestic facility
In 2021, First Solar announced that it would invest in a new full vertically integrated thin film solar manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu with an annual capacity of 3.3 GW (DC). The facility, located in Pillaipakkam, Tamil Nadu, is expected to be commissioned in the second half of 2023