TSMC invests in solar PV manufacturer

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd and Stion Corp., a manufacturer of high-efficiency thin-film solar photovoltaic modules, have entered technology licensing, supply and joint development agreements. In addition, VentureTech Alliance, a TSMC affiliate, will invest $50 million to take a 21 percent stake in Stion.

Under the agreements, Stion licenses and transfers its thin-film CIGSS technology to TSMC, while TSMC will provide a certain quantity of solar modules to Stion using the technology. TSMC and Stion will also work together to enhance the thin-film technology through joint development.

"Working with Stion, TSMC gains a robust thin-film technology with inherent low-cost structure. With TSMC's R&D capabilities and manufacturing expertise, we believe we can achieve long-term overall leadership in solar PV solutions, and we are happy to be able to contribute to a greener economy," said Rick Tsai, TSMC's president of new businesses.

"We are pleased to form a win-win relationship with TSMC, a world-class company. The collaboration enables Stion to scale its operations, leverages both companies' strengths to achieve market leadership and to deliver on the promise of efficient, affordable solar energy" said Chet Farris, president and CEO of Stion.