Reliance-Backed NexWafe to Revolutionize US Solar Manufacturing

Jan 29, 2024 01:33 PM ET
  • German solar startup NexWafe GmbH, backed by Reliance, plans to expand its solar wafer manufacturing capacity in the US, taking advantage of incentives and aiming to reduce production costs with its innovative EpiNex technology.

German solar startup NexWafe GmbH, backed by Reliance, is considering expanding its solar wafer manufacturing capacity in the US. The company has established a US subsidiary to evaluate the development of a 6 GW solar wafer production plant. The subsidiary will be led by Jonathan Pickering, who has experience in the solar industry. NexWafe has been working on a more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process for wafers, called EpiNex. This process aims to simplify polysilicon production and reduce energy consumption and production time. The company's unique technology is expected to significantly reduce wafer production costs.

NexWafe is currently building a 250 MW production plant in Germany and has an agreement with Reliance Solar Energy Limited to build wafer manufacturing facilities in India. The move to the US is likely due to the incentives offered under the Inflation Reduction Act, which have led to a manufacturing boom in the solar supply chain. NexWafe's investment in the US allows for a deeper backward move into the supply chain, rather than just focusing on modules and cell manufacturing.

Is NexWafe considering expanding solar wafer manufacturing capacity in the US?

  • NexWafe GmbH, a German solar startup backed by Reliance, is considering expanding its solar wafer manufacturing capacity in the US.
  • The company has established a US subsidiary to evaluate the development of a 6 GW solar wafer production plant.
  • The subsidiary will be led by Jonathan Pickering, who has experience in the solar industry.
  • NexWafe has been working on a more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process for wafers, called EpiNex, which aims to simplify polysilicon production and reduce energy consumption and production time.
  • The company's unique technology is expected to significantly reduce wafer production costs.
  • Currently, NexWafe is building a 250 MW production plant in Germany and has an agreement with Reliance Solar Energy Limited to build wafer manufacturing facilities in India.
  • The decision to expand to the US is likely driven by the incentives offered under the Inflation Reduction Act, which have led to a manufacturing boom in the solar supply chain.
  • NexWafe's investment in the US allows for a deeper backward move into the supply chain, rather than just focusing on modules and cell manufacturing.

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