US-based solar manufacturer Thornova Solar has commenced production of solar cells and modules at a new manufacturing facility in Batam, Indonesia.
The plant, equipped with fully automated production lines and a 5G-AGV-based mobile robot transport system, has a nameplate capacity of 2.5GW for both PERC and n-type technologies.
This facility is seen as a significant step in addressing the growing demand for advanced solar technology in the US market, which Thornova's CEO William Sheng has described as the company's primary focus.
The company plans to expand its production capabilities, aiming to offer customers solar products manufactured not only in Indonesia but also in Laos and the US by mid-2025. By early 2026, Thornova expects to deliver fully US-made modules to meet domestic content requirements.
The move underscores the company's strategy to enhance supply chain flexibility and support the US market with advanced, locally sourced solar solutions.
The Batam plant began commissioning in September 2024 and features innovations designed to improve efficiency and automation. Its n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules, launched earlier this year, promise high power outputs of up to 720W and conversion efficiencies up to 23.2%, making them well-suited for utility-scale projects.
Indonesia, rapidly emerging as a manufacturing hub, has attracted significant solar industry investment. Recent developments include SEG Solar's vertically integrated 5GW ingot-to-module TOPCon plant in central Java and Gstar's 3GW silicon wafer facility in Jakarta, further highlighting the country's growing role in the global solar supply chain.
