Hemlock Semi may expand Tennessee plant

Hemlock Semi may expand Tennessee plant

Hemlock is adding U.S. jobs while expanding their Solar grade polycrystalline silicon production. Much of the growth in solar has come from Europe. But, the U.S. is trying to spur alternative energy solutions locally. Over 75% of solar cells use crystal silicon wafers. Other solar cells typically use thin film technology. Currently Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) is the leading technology. Long-term there are good arguments for Copper Indium Gallium (di) Selenide (CIGS). The cost is lower, energy efficiency improvements are being made. And, CIGS on a flexible substrate (not glass) offers the possibility for new building materials such as the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ materials. see: http://www.dowsolar.com/

The solar grade polysilicon is the key ingredient for making those wafers. Semiconductor grade polysilicon is of a higher purity. A typical semiconductor wafer e.g. 300mm can easily cost over $80-$100. With tight specifications this can be much higher. A solar wafer may cost less than $4. Hemlock is ensuring that they have adequate capacity for the projected growth of crystal silicon based solar wafers.