British silicon metal and alloys producer Ferroglobe PLC plans to open a new factory in Puertollano, Spain through its subsidiary FerroSolar S.L. Here it will deploy a mechanical technology to purify silicon metal using less energy than the standard chemical polysilicon process. It will be operational by the end of 2018.
In the run up to this planned facility, Ferroglobe says it successfully conducted a test on 500 kW of silicon wafers, using 100% un-blended solar-grade silicon produced inhouse. A sample production of 130,000 wafers consistently delivered efficiencies of 18.5% and yield ratios of 98%. Independent auditor TUV Rheinland confirmed the results, and will be issuing a certificate soon, according to Ferroglobe. The test was conducted in coordination with an unnamed tier 1 solar module company.
Ferroglobe also plans to conduct tests on PERC solar cells of 500 kW capacity made using its own black silicon in coordination with another unnamed tier 1 producer.