Leading Chinese photovoltaic (PV) cell and module manufacturer SolarSpace has commenced cell production at its latest state-of-the-art facility—a remarkable 5-gigawatt (GW) factory situated in the Saysettha Development Zone in Laos, adjacent to the Thai border.
This impressive facility represents SolarSpace's maiden manufacturing plant in Laos and marks its second venture outside of China. Notably, earlier in March this year, the company initiated commercial operations at a substantial 1.2GW module facility located in Cambodia. With this latest addition, SolarSpace now proudly operates six manufacturing facilities worldwide, boasting a combined annual production capacity of 35GW. The company is eager to further expand its presence throughout Southeast Asia, highlighting the region's strategic importance in its global growth strategy.
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While the specifics of the cell types to be produced at the Laos facility were not disclosed, SolarSpace's recent presence at RE+ in the United States showcased its commitment to innovation. At the event, the company showcased a diverse portfolio of products, including two passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) modules and two tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules. Historically, PERC modules have enjoyed popularity in the PV sector due to their impressive conversion efficiency, reaching up to 23.5%. However, recent advancements, particularly in TOPCon modules and similar technologies, have sparked research into alternative module types. By expanding its manufacturing capacity in Laos, SolarSpace aims to meet the growing global demand for PV modules across various technology platforms.
This development also holds promise for the burgeoning solar sector in Laos. Last year, the country marked a significant milestone by commencing the construction of its inaugural large-scale solar farm, a robust 50MW project situated in the southeastern province of Attapeu. The Lao government has expressed a clear commitment to further expanding its solar sector.
Government data indicates that Laos heavily relies on hydropower, accounting for a substantial 81% of its energy demand, while all other renewables, including solar, contribute a mere 2%. As part of its sustainability goals, Laos aims to elevate the contribution of renewables to 11% by 2025. While the destination of SolarSpace's Laos-made modules remains unspecified, the establishment of a major manufacturing facility in the country marks a pivotal step in showcasing Laos as a viable destination for substantial solar investments, underlining its potential as a significant player in the global solar arena.
