Top Two Taiwan LED Makers Partner on Solar Power Plant Project

Everlight Electronics Co Ltd and Epistar Corp, Taiwan`s top two LED makers, recently decided to jointly set up a dedicated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power plant in southern Taiwan, the first of its kind in Asia.

Everphoton Energy Co, Everlight`s CPV cell subsidiary, said manufacturing process of CPV cells is similar to the process for making LEDs, justifying their decision to venture into the new business. Everphoton will lead the project.

Everphoton`s executives pointed out that initial investment is around NT$100-200 million. The power plant is estimated to begin to supply power some time in the first half next year, putting out 200KW of electricity in first stage and 350KW in the first year of the plant`s operation.

They said the company was assessing locations in Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingdong in southern Taiwan for the plant, adding that the power plant would integrate the island`s top-notch compound-semiconductor makers to cluster around the power plant, generating revenue over NT$100 billion.

Everphoton`s CPV modules now boast best photovoltaic transformation ratio of 26 percent, making them competitive in the market.

Worldwide, CPV power plant industry remains in its infancy. WorldWater, an affiliate of photovoltaic-product maker Emicore Corp of the United States, announced a year ago that it signed a five year pact with real estate developer M&G of Spain to construct five CPV plants.

Source: CENS