Email

Print

  Solar News

Ascent begins thin-film solar module production in Colorado

Ascent Solar's new hi-tech facility - click to see a video

Ascent Solar Technologies has begun initial production of thin-film solar photovoltaic modules at its new factory in Thornton, Colorado, it said today.

The company is building monolithically-integrated modules made from copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS).

The modules are made on a thin film of plastic that allows for a lighter solar panel, that can be flexible enough to use in surfaces like tents and awnings.

“Milestone”

Farhad Moghadam President and CEO of Ascent Solar said: “Ascent Solar is the first company to commence regular production of monolithically integrated lightweight thin-film CIGS modules using a plastic substrate.

“This milestone marks the initiation of our regular production capability and our factory ramp up based on market demand. Initial production from FAB 2 is producing 10.5% efficient modules with peak module aperture efficiency as high as 11.9%, which gives Ascent a very competitive product across our target market opportunities.”

Ascent Solar was founded in 2005 as a spin-off of technology firm ITN Energy, Inc.

The company’s first production line in Thornton, Colorado, known as FAB 1, has been operating with a 1.5 megawatt annual production capacity since 2009.

The new production facility begins production with an annual production capacity of about 15MW, and is expected to ramp up to a full 30MW capacity by the end of 2010.