New CIGS Fab Features State-of-Art Automation

TAICHUNG, Taiwan, Oct. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TSMC Solar Ltd. has completed equipment move-in in preparation for commercial production ramp at its new CIGS fab in Taichung, Taiwan.

The new highly automated manufacturing facility, dubbed the S-Fab, is a state-of-the-art six story 700,000 square foot LEED certified facility. Initial Phase 1 investment totaled US$258 million with manufacturing capacity of 100 megawatts per year (MW) in 2012, ramping to 300MW at Phase 1 completion. TSMC Solar's planned addition of a 300MW Phase II, when coupled with productivity improvements, will take total facility capacity to 1 Gigawatt by 2015.

First panels from the production line are headed for UL and IEC certification and testing this quarter with first commercial products expected to be shipped the first quarter of 2012. California Energy Commission (CEC) listing is slated for mid Q1 2012.

"It really is an automation marvel," said Dr. Rick Tsai, Chairman and CEO, TSMC Solar. "We handle every step of transforming raw materials into finished CIGS modules. That means start-to-finish optimization of the manufacturing process for productivity, performance and quality."

In building the new plant, TSMC Solar leveraged its parent's quarter century heritage of delivering technology innovation and manufacturing excellence. TSMC CIGS panels are targeted for large commercial and utility-scale projects in the North American, European and worldwide markets.

"Our mission is to drive high efficiency, differentiated CIGS technology that will make solar the energy source of choice," Dr. Tsai explained. TSMC Solar's CIGS technology, state-of-the-art manufacturing and financial stability positions us to be an innovative force in the solar industry. "

About TSMC Solar

TSMC Solar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Inc. the acknowledged semiconductor dedicated foundry segment leader. TSMC Solar was founded in August 2009, headquartered in Taichung, Taiwan, with regional sales offices in Hamburg, Germany, San Jose, CA and Boston, MA. For more information go to www.tsmc-solar.com Or email SolarNA@tsmc-solar.com.