Michael Kanellos
With SVTC, Getting Into Solar Biz Just Got Easier June 26, 2008 at 5:52 PM
First, Applied Materials made it easier for individuals to get into the solar business by offering to build them ready-to-run factories.
Now, SVTC Technologies, at one time a division of Cypress Semiconductor, is getting into the act. The company, which offers research and design services for chip makers, will now offer prototyping and research services for solar companies. Need a lab to crank out samples of your latest silicon cell so that Applied will approve your request to buy a factory to start popping out said cells in mass production? SVTC will do it for you.
China’s JA Solar is already a customer. Germany’s Roth and Rau will help SVTC build out its solar lab and testing facilities. In all, SVTC’s solar center will cost between $20 million and $30 million and be capable of popping out 5 megawatts of panels.
Traditional solar companies should take note. This is exactly how Taiwan and later Singapore, South Korea and China, became major players in semiconductors. Equipment makers and research institutions began to help them–for large sums of money–develop and subsequently fine-tune their factories. A number of Asian companies also recruited well-known U.S. academics to serve on their technical advisory boards.
Although the chip industry remains a multibillion dollar concern, most companies are looking for the next growth market. The race to become a leader in LCD TVs is over. Solar is the next frontier. Look at the resumes of execs behind companies like Signet Solar. They are all old chip guys. And speaking of which, expect to see TV makers like Samsung to start to unveil solar plans. Making LCD TVs is similar to making amorphous silicon solar panels. Applied, in fact, sells similar equipment to both markets. And let’s not forget, SunPower is a division of Cypress.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
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