Japan-based solar cell manufacturer Toyo has announced plans to establish a 2 GW tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell production facility in Hawassa, Ethiopia. The company will initially invest $60 million to build the 31,500 m² factory.
Toyo aims to begin outfitting the new plant in November 2024, with production expected to commence by the end of the first quarter of 2025. The company highlighted Ethiopia’s exemption from tariffs on bifacial solar cells under Section 201 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 as a key factor in the decision.
Currently, Toyo operates a 3 GW solar cell plant in Vietnam, producing two types of cells that are noted for their strong performance in low-light conditions, achieving over 97% relative conversion efficiency under 200 W/m². The cells also boast a front conversion efficiency of 25.3% and bifacial efficiency around 85% relative to the front.
In September, Toyo also announced plans to open a 2 GW solar panel factory in the United States and filed to raise $100 million for a future TOPCon solar cell facility.
