Solar EnerTech completes second Shanghai plant

Shanghai-based Solar EnerTech (OTCBB: SOEN) said today it finished installation of its second production line for solar cells, doubling its capacity to 50 megawatts.

The new 25-MW solar cell production line is located at the company's 63,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in Shanghai's Jinqiao Modern Technology Park.

Solar EnerTech also has a 50-MW solar module production facility there.

Solar EnerTech announced the new solar cell manufacturing line in August 2007, citing a rise in second quarter demand for its products (see Solar EnerTech to build second plant).

CEO Leo Young said the 20,000 square-foot expansion was completed two months ahead of schedule.

"We now have the ability to support dual-line production, which provides us with the potential to increase our product orders and broaden our base of customers from Europe, North America and Asia," Young said.

In September, the company took a $1 million stake in Dallas, Texas-based polysilicon manufacturer 21-Century Silicon, securing a four-year supply deal expected to begin in the second quarter of 2009.

Last year, Solar EnerTech announced a $9.2 million agreement with Fan Qie Trading of Shanghai for solar systems to be installed in Africa and an $8 million supply deal with Shanghai Very Sun Technologies (see Solar EnerTech lands $9.2 million contract for Africa and Solar EnerTech's new $8M sale and OEM agreement).

Solar EnerTech has established a joint research-and-development lab at Shanghai University to develop higher-efficiency cells. The company also has a marketing, purchasing and distribution base in Silicon Valley.

Solar EnerTech is among a number of high-profile public solar manufacturers in China, including Suntech, JA Solar, Canadian Solar, Solarfun and Trina Solar.

In March 2007, the company closed on $17.3 million in private placement for silicon feedstock and equipment for its second 25-megawatt production line (see Solar EnerTech: We're done).

Solar EnerTech produced its first, 170-watt modules in November 2006 (see New solar player rolls out first modules).

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