An Alternative PV Module Manufacturing Model Ed Hurley September 6, 2011 An Alternative PV Module...

An Alternative PV Module Manufacturing ModelEd Hurley

September 6 , 2011

A Solar PV Company providing capital equipment & turn-key production lines for module manufacturing

worldwide.

The Turn-key Solar Factory Company

Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR)

Alternative Module Manufacturing Model

Converting Laminates into Modules• Low cost way to expand or enter into market• Reduced Financial risks

– Lower CAPEX, start-up costs

• Lower operating cost– Higher yields– Leverage low cost Laminate suppliers

• Accelerated Market Entry– Design ready laminates= faster certification

From Laminate to Module

Post Lamination Assembly = FAST Line• Final Assembly Simulation & Test

– Post Lamination module line

• LEAN manufacturing principles.– Quick and low-cost startup for module assembly.

• Consistent, high quality output.• Easily deployable into any region

– Take advantage of local incentives

Demand Flow Technology Based Design

100% Inspection

Ergonomic Tooling

Balanced Labor Approach

Laminate to Module FAST Line

Important Equipment Considerations

• Equipment similar from line-to-line– Work with high quality PV equipment supplier

• Level of automation affects staffing and price– Semi-auto, automated, fully automated

• Line should be flexible and configurable• Do not focus on cost at expense of metrology

– Metrology is critical to success of line• Need high quality Simulators & EL systems• Database management increasingly becoming more critical

• Framing– Configurable for tape or sealant

• Junction Box– Configurable for different j-Boxes

• Simulation– Performs IV test to IEC/UL standards

• EL– Module inspection, cracks/microcrack

• Packout– Bin and box module

Typical Module Equipment

Selection of Equipment Supplier• Use known reliable equipment• Support services crucial

– Planning– Project management– Installation & ramp-up support– Training

• Ability to develop customized financial models– What is best suited for your application

• Ability to provide Module certification assistance• Help with supply chain

– Especially on high-quality laminates that will work with the line

Payback on Investment

• Must have detailed financial model• Review trade-offs on equipment, materials, process

Module Sale Price ($/W) $1.35

Solar Laminate Cost ($/W) $1.00

Other Costs* ($/W) $0.20

Gross Profit ($/W) $0.15

Less SG&A $0.08

Net Income ($/W) $0.07

ROI < 8 months* Other Costs include (O&M, Labor, Non-Laminate Materials, Overhead, and Depreciation)

Summary• World market is continuing to grow• FAST Lines ideal way to capitalize on market

conditions– minimal capital expense & reduced risk

• FAST line is scalable and flexible for future expansion• Carefully select your PV equipment supplier• Carefully study financial models

www. .

.com

Come Visit us at Hall B1U Booth C22

ehurley@spirecorp.com