Samsung aims to lead global solar power market by 2015

By Kim Young-gyo

SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co., South Korea's leading electronics maker, said Monday it will step up efforts to develop its solar power business, aiming to become a leader in the global solar power market by 2015.

The company said it has commenced the operation of a 30 MW-preliminary production
line of photovoltaic (PV) cells. Photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells,
make up a photovoltaic module, which is used as a component in a larger system to
convert solar energy into electricity for commercial and residential
applications.
"As we start the operation of the PV line, we have laid a foundation for
developing solar power with higher efficiency," said Choi Dong-wook, vice
president of solar energy business at Samsung Electronics in an e-mailed
statement. "We aim to become the world's leading provider of solar power by
2015."
The company, however, did not disclose how much was invested in the preliminary
line.
According to market researcher Green Tech Media, the global solar power market
will more than double from 5.1 GW in 2009 to 10.5 GW in 2012.
While South Korean electronics makers started their research and development on
solar cells a few steps behind their competitors in the U.S. and Japan, they are
expected to catch up soon.
Market watchers said that South Korean manufacturers can easily utilize
technologies used in semiconductors and liquid crystal displays (LCDs), as their
manufacturing processes are similar.
"Samsung Electronics will be able to assume the leadership in the market, as
semiconductor technologies can be applied to solar power cells," said Roh
Keun-chang, an analyst at HMC Investment & Securities. "Samsung has a potential
capability, as it can also cooperate with its affiliate Samsung SDI Co., the
world's No. 3 producer of rechargeable batteries."
ygkim@yna.co.kr
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