Solar Semiconductor Introduces World-Class Photovoltaic Solutions Using a Fully Automated Manufacturing Process

Youngest Self-Funded Photovoltaic Provider to Receive ISO 9001 Certification

SUNNYVALE, CA--(Marketwire - December 11, 2007), Dec 11, 2007 08:00 ET

Solar Semiconductor, the solar power industry's newly ISO 9001-certified high-quality photovoltaic (PV) module producer, today introduced its family of world-class PV modules. These modules are manufactured at a fully automated, state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad, India. 

Founded by Experienced Entrepreneurs with a Strong Social Commitment 

Solar Semiconductor was founded by a team of experienced Silicon Valley entrepreneurs with the vision of becoming a socially responsible provider of solar-based PV technology, one of the fastest growing sources of alternative energy worldwide. 

"We have reached an international crossroads where people in both developed nations and emerging economies understand the urgent need for sustainable, green sources of energy," said Hari Surapaneni, chief executive officer of Solar Semiconductor. "Harnessing the power of the sun makes sense across a broad range of industrial, agricultural and recreational applications. Solar Semiconductor is committed to delivering world-class photovoltaic solutions that allow customers to leverage this power reliably and cost-effectively." 

Automated Manufacturing Backed by an Industry-Leading Warranty 

Using their own funds and additional funds raised from family members, the company's founders established a fully automated manufacturing line that uses robots in the lay up, trimming, and framing stations. This precise, high-quality process enables Solar Semiconductor to offer four series of PV modules for grid-connected as well as off-grid applications. These include 125mm and 156mm mono- and multi-crystalline cells that are sub 180 microns thick, as well as cells with two or three bus bars. Solar Semiconductor has also developed module configuration tools that enable it to produce customized PV modules. 

"Our manufacturing process uses an automated process at every critical step to ensure we produce the highest quality PV modules possible," said Surapaneni. "The quality of our modules is so high that we offer customers a 25-year warranty on them." 

Recipient of the PV Industry's ISO 9001 Certification for its Manufacturing Plant 

In addition to offering the industry's best product warranty, Solar Semiconductor is the youngest PV module provider manufacturing plant in Hyderabad, India certified for ISO 9001 standards. The company's certificate was awarded by TUV Rheinland, an independent certification agency headquartered in Germany. TUV Rheinland conducted a rigorous audit of the company's product manufacturing, vendor management, quality standards, record maintenance, corrective action, and management commitment to ensure the overall quality of Solar Semiconductor's product and manufacturing process prior to granting the certification. 

"Receiving the ISO 9001 certification in such a short span of time since starting our manufacturing is a huge achievement for us because it validates all the time, effort and money we have put into building a top-quality manufacturing plant," said Surapaneni. "As we expand our manufacturing process and grow our PV module family over the next few years, we will continue to maintain the exceptional level of quality that enabled us to achieve this certification." 

Product Availability 

Solar Semiconductor manufactures four series of PV modules, all of which are available now. 

• SSI-S6 series: high-watt density modules using high-efficiency 156mm mono-crystalline cells.
   

• SSI-S5 series: uses 125mm mono-crystalline cells to produce modules that are lighter and more compact.
   

• SSI-M6 series: assembled with high-efficiency 156mm multi-crystalline cells.
   

• SSI-SC series: less than 100 W modules, primarily for off-grid applications.

Solar Semiconductor manufactures its high-quality PV modules in a relatively low-cost market, allowing the company to offer very competitive pricing on its PV modules. For specific pricing information, please contact Solar Semiconductor. 

About Solar Semiconductor 

Established in 2006 in Hyderabad, India, Solar Semiconductor, a global company with a subsidiary in Sunnyvale, California, produces innovative, high-quality PV modules using mono- and multi-crystalline cells and offers its products and services to the worldwide Solar PV module market. As a socially responsible, global energy producer, Solar Semiconductor offers an unwavering commitment to its customers. Awarded the prestigious ISO 9001 certification for its fully automated manufacturing plant Solar Semiconductor focuses its attention on customers' power and efficiency needs for today and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.solarsemiconductor.com. 

Product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. 

Media contact for Solar Semiconductor
Donna Candelori
Candelori Communications Inc.
T: +1 408-774-3414
F: +1 408-317-1703
dcandelori@candelori.com