Stion Announces Commercial Shipments from Hattiesburg, Miss., Factory

Stion Announces Commercial Shipments from Hattiesburg, Miss., Factory

SAN JOSE, Calif., Mar 20, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Stion, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency thin-film solar modules, has received both Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) and International Electrotechnical Commissions (IEC) certifications to ship modules produced at its Hattiesburg, Miss., factory.

Stion modules with nominal power of up to 140 watts are now available, with commercial shipments from the factory commencing later this month. The first phase of the 500 megawatt factory has 100 megawatts of annual production capacity, which is the equivalent of approximately 25,000 residential solar electric systems.

“Beginning shipments from Hattiesburg less than one year after starting construction represents a tremendous accomplishment by our team,” said Chet Farris, CEO of Stion. “We are excited to strengthen our position as a the leading U.S.-based manufacturers of solar modules, and bring thin film to a broad range of applications and markets globally.”

The company’s modules have a robust, simple monolithic circuit design, and are manufactured using proven industry standard production tools. They are specifically designed for use in all major market segments; residential, commercial, government / municipal and utility.

Stion’s modules have a convenient form factor (65 cm x 165 cm) that enables streamlined installation. The PTC / STC ratio – a measurement of the module’s field performance versus standard test conditions — is higher than those for 95 percent of the products listed for use by the California Solar Initiative.

Stion will continue expansion of both its Hattiesburg factory and its San Jose headquarters. As part of its $130M funding round in December 2011, Stion is establishing a subsidiary in Korea (“Stion Korea”) with strategic partner AVACO to build a factory that will help serve the Asian and European markets.

“Early in 2011, the Mississippi Development Authority was pleased to work with Stion officials to announce the company’s new manufacturing location in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and it has been gratifying to see how quickly production has gotten under way at the plant,” said Jim Barksdale, interim Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority. “I commend Stion officials on reaching this latest milestone, with commercial shipments of the company’s Mississippi-made solar modules beginning later this month.”

Stion’s modules will be on display at booth 1402 at the PV America show ( www.pvamericaexpo.com ), which is taking place at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, CA this week.

About Stion:

Stion is a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency thin-film solar modules based on state-of-the-art materials and device technology and proven production processes. For more information, visit www.stion.com .

SOURCE: Stion

3/20/12