TSMC (2330) ((US-TSM))'s thin-film solar division, TSMC Solar, recently participated in the Solarbuzz Solar Energy Symposium and emphasized that while it enjoys full backing from its parent company, it remains open to strategic partnerships as a way to expand into the solar energy system. The company has already surpassed the efficiency limits of its CIGS modules, with a 2014 target of achieving 17% efficiency, which is expected to open up new growth opportunities. In the coming year, the average efficiency is projected to increase 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 solar products from mainland China between June 6th and August 6th. However, the final outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain. If the price ratio can reach 0.57 euros per watt, it could create new market opportunities for Taiwanese solar firms, allowing them to gain a stronger foothold in the global market.
Li Wenqin, Director of the R&D Technology Development Department at TSMC, highlighted that TSMC Solar benefits from a $5.1 billion cash reserve from its parent company. Beyond financial support, the company is also focusing on continuous technical innovation to uphold the legacy of its parent firm. While maintaining its core manufacturing capabilities, TSMC Solar is not ruling out strategic collaborations to enter the broader solar system market.
The company has successfully transitioned its CIGS module technology from low-efficiency, high-cost production to high-efficiency, low-cost manufacturing. The 2014 production line aims for a single-chip efficiency of 17%, with current mass production efficiency at 16%. This gives TSMC Solar a clear advantage over polycrystalline modules. With standard sizes of 1656mm x 656mm, the modules currently deliver 145-155W, with a 2014 target of reaching 160-175W or even 185W, surpassing polycrystalline modules by 2-3%.
Efficiency improvements and reduced heat failure are expected to boost TSMC's output by 50%, prompting preparations for future production expansion. The company is actively seeking Asian partners to help reduce costs and improve scalability.
TSMC’s Zhongke plant in Taiwan is located near the main facility and features 90% high automation. Construction began in September 2010, and after two years of operation, the plant obtained UL, IEC, and Golden Sun certifications. It consistently achieves a monthly full-size efficiency of 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 15.1%. Just five months later, on June 18, the efficiency reached 15.7%, exceeding the 14.6% benchmark set by Solar Frontier. This rapid progress underscores TSMC Solar’s strong technological capabilities and its growing influence in the photovoltaic industry.
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