Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Solar: Huge New Polysilicon Supply

Everyone knew this was coming online but man that's a lot of PolySi. From PV-Tech:

Hemlock Semiconductor begins operation of 8500-mt polysilicon plant in Michigan

Hemlock Semiconductor Group has begun operation of a new 8500-metric-ton polysilicon production facility several months ahead of schedule. The plant, located in Hemlock, MI, is the first phase of a planned $1 billion expansion at the site.

The company says the second phase of this capacity expansion will start to become operational in 2010 and, together with the initial phase, will increase the total annual capacity onsite to approximately 36,000 metric tons.

Excavation has already begun on the site of Hemlock's new polysilicon manufacturing facility in Clarksville, TN, according to the company. Construction will soon begin on plant, which is scheduled to come online in 2012.

Hemlock has announced investments totaling more than $4 billion over the past five years, moves that will expand the company's capacity by nearly 10 times while creating more than 1500 new jobs....MORE
Here's the press release:
Hemlock Semiconductor Group Brings New Polysilicon Capacity Online for Solar and Semiconductor Industries