Silicor Materials produces lower-cost solar silicon using a proprietary metals-based process that consumes two-thirds less energy than traditional methods and requires no toxic chemicals. The company’s silicon is suitable for PV wafers and cells and achieves conversion efficiencies comparable to conventional materials. Silicor also yields premium aluminum alloys and a polyaluminum chloride (PAC) by-product that are sold into other industrial markets. The company has secured sales commitments and letters of intent with leading global solar module manufacturers equivalent to roughly 75% of the planned plant’s annual production. Silicor is advancing construction of its first commercial-scale manufacturing operation in Grundartangi, Iceland, with equipment from SMS Siemag and construction by MT Højgaard, supported by local subcontractors. The company is based in San Jose, California, with additional locations in Ontario, Canada and Berlin, Germany. Silicor Materials manufactures high-quality solar silicon and aluminum by-products, with silicon purification operations performed by its wholly owned subsidiary Silicor Materials Canada Inc. in Ontario and an R&D center in Berlin, Germany. The company says it is the lowest-cost producer of high-quality solar silicon for the PV industry, with estimated cash production costs of approximately $9/kg and demonstrated quality and performance on par with traditional electronic-grade silicon. Its proprietary technology can produce solar silicon for PV wafers and cells that achieve conversion efficiencies in excess of 17 percent. Silicor is in advanced development work at multiple sites for a new solar silicon manufacturing plant capable of producing 16,000 metric tons per year. The company received $6 million in new funding from existing investor Hudson Clean Energy Partners to support continued operations and growth through its next capital raise and has engaged Robert W. Baird & Co. as its investment banker. Silicor also added Mark Pinto to its board of directors. Calisolar designs and manufactures high-performance solar wafers and cells that rely on lower-cost silicon feedstock and innovative purification techniques. The company began commercial shipments of solar cells in January 2010 and its cells are in the final stages of qualification at multiple global panel manufacturers. Calisolar acquired 6N Silicon through a stock-for-stock transaction; 6N will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary. The company raised $22.5M from existing Calisolar and 6N investors to support expansion. Proceeds will increase capacity at Calisolar’s Sunnyvale cell manufacturing facility and expand silicon purification operations in Vaughan, Ontario. Calisolar plans to integrate 6N’s low-cost silicon purification methods to lower manufacturing and energy costs, improve silicon yield and enable scrap silicon recycling.

Total raised

$134M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Sep 2015