TSMC (2330) ((US-TSM))’s thin-film solar division, TSMC Solar, recently participated in the Solarbuzz Solar Energy Symposium and shared insights on its future plans. The company emphasized that while it enjoys full backing from its parent company, it is open to strategic partnerships to strengthen its position in the solar energy system. Notably, the efficiency of its CIGS modules has already surpassed previous limits, with a 17% target set for 2014, marking a key opportunity for expansion. Looking ahead, the average efficiency is expected to rise by 1.5%, giving TSMC Solar a competitive edge over traditional monocrystalline modules and positioning it as a potential market disruptor.
According to data from Solarbuzz, the European Commission has proposed an initial anti-dumping duty rate of 11.8% on Chinese solar products imported between June 6th and August 6th. However, the outcome of ongoing negotiations remains uncertain. If the price ratio can be negotiated down to 0.57 euros per watt, it could create new opportunities for Taiwanese solar firms to gain market share, especially as Chinese manufacturers face higher tariffs.
Li Wenqin, Director of the R&D Technology Development Department at TSMC, highlighted that TSMC Solar benefits from a $5.1 billion cash reserve provided by the parent company. Beyond financial support, the company is focusing on continuous technical innovation to uphold the legacy of TSMC’s engineering excellence. While maintaining a strong manufacturing base and moving toward long-term production, TSMC Solar is not ruling out forming strategic alliances to expand into the solar system market.
The company has successfully transitioned its CIGS technology from low-efficiency, high-cost production to a more advanced, cost-effective model. The goal is to achieve a single-cell efficiency of 17% on its 2014 production line, with current mass production efficiency already reaching 16%. This gives TSMC Solar a clear advantage over polycrystalline modules. For instance, the 1656mm x 656mm modules currently produce 145–155W on average, with a 2014 target of 160–175W or even 185W, surpassing polycrystalline modules by 2–3%.
Improvements in efficiency and heat resistance are expected to boost TSMC’s output by 50%, prompting preparations for a major production expansion. The company is actively seeking partnerships with Asian firms to further reduce costs and enhance competitiveness.
TSMC’s Zhongke plant in Taiwan is strategically located near the parent company’s facilities and features 90% automation. Construction began in September 2010, and after two years of operation, the facility obtained UL, IEC, and Golden Sun certifications. Monthly full-size efficiency reached 14.2%, with an average production line efficiency of 13%.
On January 31, TSMC Solar announced that its Taichung Power Plant had developed a one-time CIGS module with a conversion efficiency of up to 15.1%. Just five months later, on June 18, the efficiency improved to 15.7%, significantly surpassing the 14.6% benchmark set by Solar Frontier. These achievements highlight TSMC Solar’s rapid progress and growing influence in the thin-film solar sector.
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