Solar Semiconductor flags off Ist export consignment of PV modules from Fab City.

HYDERABAD, INDIA - February 25, 2009

The First consignment of export of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, manufactured by the Solar Semiconductor at its facilities in the Fab City, was flagged off today.

The event marks the start of commercial production activity at the ambitious Fab City, promoted by the Andhra Pradesh Government. The Principal Secretary Industries, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. B. Sam Bob and Chairman and MD of APIIC Mr. B.P. Acharya, flagged of the consignment and graced the occasion. Mr. S.S.N. Prasad, Director of the company, explained the salient features of the facility. He stated that the first of its kind green field project work started in the month of May, 2008 and completed its first phase in record time. Mr. Prasad said, "it is with the positive and proactive support from both the Industries department and APIIC officials that made it possible to achieve this present state of completion in the shortest possible time". 

This first consignment of PV modules, are headed to Germany via Mumbai. Solar Semiconductor has invested so far in excess of Rs. 200 crore in its first phase at the Fab City in creating state-of-art production facilities. This phase will have 120 MW of Module production and 60 MW of PV Solar Cells production capacity. Company is also planning to spend in excess of Rs.400 crores during this Fiscal Year for Module line expansion, Cell line expansion and Thin Film production lines.

The unit, which went on stream, employs 600 people at present. It is housed on a 50-acre land allocated to the company by the APIIC. Solar Semiconductor is the first of over two dozen corporate in the solar and semiconductor industry to set up and begin production at the Fab City.

At present Solar Semiconductor also have facilities near Kompally. The current overall capacity for PV modules manufacturing is 200 MW. The overall investment of Rs. 11,000 crore is envisaged to be invested over a period of ten years.

Speaking at the brief function at Fab City today, Mr. Sam Bob congratulated Solar Semiconductor for keeping up schedules and also emerging as the first to start production. He expressed happiness that the unit would provide employment to a large number of people.

Mr. Sam Bob said the Government was ready to set up a training unit at the Fab City to meet the growing demands of the semiconductor/solar industry for trained manpower. He requested the companies coming up to provide their support and inputs.

"In the next 3-5 years, I expect to see most of the 24 units, which have been given license to get into the production mode. There are more applications from PV makers pending", he added.

Mr. B.P. Acharya in his remarks said the achievement by Solar Semiconductor has dispelled doubts among people and media about the Fab City. "In fact, in the next three months, at least 4 more companies will be set for production", he said.

"The Fab City is the largest cluster in India for semiconductor and PV. The APIIC has provided the necessary infrastructure and is willing to provide more facilities and encouragement to the tenants", he added.

Media Contact for Solar Semiconductor
Ravi Surapaneni
Vice President
Solar Semiconductor Private Limited
T: +91-9959633559
ravi.surapaneni@solarsemiconductor.com