Universal Solar bids to solve PV supply chain constraints with Panama module facility

• US module supplier Universal Solar is developing a module factory in Panama with a first capacity of 600MW, targeting supply lines interrupted by policy headwinds.

The facility will certainly create mono PERC modules and also the very first items ahead off the line will certainly have an outcome of 350-- 545W. Modules are slated to have performances of as much as 21.46%, while some will certainly feature half-cell modern technology, Universal Solar stated.

The maker is to supply straight power outcome warranties of up to three decades together with a 12 to 15-year product and workmanship warranty.

While Universal Solar has actually not revealed any upstream suppliers for components such as cells-- nevertheless it does stress all bill of materials are obtained from 'rate one OEMs'-- the business has actually confirmed that its items will certainly be completely certified with the US Department of Commerce's withhold and also launch order which restricts imports on products linked to polysilicon produced by Hoshine.

Additionally, Universal Solar has stated shipments from the Panama facility will certainly can getting to any kind of US port within around five days.

The area for the facility was selected due both to the strength of its placement for international shipping as well as the presence of a long-standing open market agreement in between the United States and Panama, reducing the risk of import tasks being imposed on products in the future.

Universal Solar chief executive officer John Bereckis stated the capacity would deal with the present challenges encountering the solar industry in the United States as well as elsewhere today.

"The prospect of tariffs on additional Asian nations has actually thrown the supply chain into turmoil, in spite of the Biden management's two-year pause. Modules from Central America will provide U.S. programmers a much-needed alternative," he included.

Universal expects to supply its initial shipments in Q4 this year as well as has actually currently signed master solution agreements for greater than 400MW. Negotiations are underway for an extra 175MW, the business stated.