Japan-based solar cell maker Kaneka reportedly plans to move technology for heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HIT) solar cells to Taiwan, helping Taiwan-based firms to begin mass production. Kaneka is said to be discussing cooperation with Gintech and Neo Solar Power (NSP).
The two Taiwan-based solar firms have confirmed being in discussions with Kaneka but the cooperation is still under evaluation.
Solar makers noted that Kaneka began to discuss cooperation with some Taiwan-based firms as early as 2011. The cooperation will involve Kaneka transferring HIT technology to Taiwan-based firms for mass production. Once mass production begins, Kaneka will procure a fixed amount of products to sell.
For Kaneka, this type of cooperation can reduce equipment capex which is beneficial as Japan-based solar firms have relatively higher production costs compared to firms in Taiwan and China.
For Taiwan-based makers, the cooperation allows the firms to obtain technology for mass production while securing a fixed distribution channel.
Wen-Whe Pan, president and COO of Gintech, confirmed the two firms have been be in discussions but have yet to reach a conclusion. Sam Hong, president and COO of NSP, also confirmed that the two firms have been interacting but everything is still under consideration.
N-type mono-crystalline high-efficiency solar cells can have a more than 20% efficiency, and if products can be mass produced and become cost effective, it will mark a technological revolution for the solar industry. The possible cooperation between Kaneka and Taiwan-based solar firms is likely to spark the beginning of this revolution, said solar firms.
