A polysilicon factory in Moses Lake, Washington, idle since 2019, is set to resume shipping the key raw material for solar panels, The New York Times reported on April 25, 2024.
The plant
- Norway-based REC Silicon reopened the plant in November 2023 in partnership with Hanwha Qcells, which this spring became its largest shareholder.
- The plant has added about 200 workers since restarting.
- A 10-year take-or-pay deal, valued at about $3 billion, sends all of its prime granular polysilicon to Qcells’ factories in Georgia.
- REC said in early May it expected first solar-grade shipments by the end of June and full output by the end of 2024.
Why it matters
About 95 percent of polysilicon is made in China and elsewhere in Asia. Chinese tariffs on USA polysilicon helped shut Moses Lake in 2019. Executives credit Inflation Reduction Act incentives for the restart, which Qcells plans to use for solar panels made entirely in the USA. REC is also closing its Butte, Montana plant because of high power costs.
FAQ
What does the plant make?
Polysilicon, the base material for most solar panels.
Who buys the output?
Hanwha Qcells, under a 10-year take-or-pay agreement worth about $3 billion.
How many jobs?
About 200 workers have been added since the November 2023 restart.
Source & credit
Source: The New York Times, April 25, 2024: “Key Solar Panel Ingredient Is Made in the U.S.A. Again”.
Also: Thomasnet, April 30, 2024 and PV Tech, May 2, 2024.