One of OCTIA’s Founding Members, Silfab Solar is the North American manufacturing leader in the design and development of ultra-high-efficiency, premium-quality solar panels. We spoke to Geoff Atkins, Head of Sales and Marketing, to learn more about the company’s focus on innovation and its plans for the future
Describe your core technology(ies). What makes your solution different than anything else on the market? How is your company contributing to a cleaner, greener future?
Geoff Atkins: Silfab Solar is the North American leader in the design, development and production of high-efficiency, premium quality solar modules. Silfab leverages 40 years of solar experience and best-in-class technologies to produce the highest-rated solar modules from three facilities in North America. Each facility features multiple automated ISO 9001-2015 certified production lines utilizing just-in-time manufacturing to deliver top performing solar panels specifically developed for the North American climate and market.
Silfab has invested in the latest solar technologies and automation to improve processes, increase performance and reduce waste. Our Silfab Elite product line utilizes a back-contact technology which requires reduced manufacturing steps and materials during production. The conductive back-sheet and integrated cell design eliminates the need for stringing and bussing and with electrical contacts at the back of the cell, there is reduced front side metallization so less shadowing, maximizing the panels power density plus reduced thermal stresses and lower operating temperatures improve the performance, aesthetics, and durability of the panel.
Other than coffee, what gets you out of bed in the morning? How does this work connect with your core beliefs and values?
Atkins: Most people are aware and in support of renewable energy and the value it brings to our society, but they are often disconnected to the specific initiatives and efforts advancing the cause. Silfab is connecting people by being the homegrown company that is educating and employing North Americans through manufacturing leadership and technology innovation within the solar community. Silfab has become a source of information and inspiration for companies and individuals making a difference in our environment.
Tell us about a recent win (or wins) or your company.
Atkins: In late 2021, Silfab Solar secured an investment by ARC Financial Corp to significantly expand our U.S. solar production and supply chain footprint and service our growing North American partners. Silfab is the first energy transition investment from ARC’s Energy Fund 9 and includes co-investments by Ontario Power Generation Inc. Pension Plan and BDC Capital’s Cleantech Practice.
What’s next for your company?
Atkins: Our company will continue to make significant investments in manufacturing equipment, technologies, and R&D to be able to deliver the next generation of premium quality solar modules and developgreater efficiencies in our solar manufacturing processes. We’ll also continue to innovate new technologies and increase our production capacity to meet the demands of our partners.
Finally, what’s on your team’s wish list for Ontario’s cleantech sector?
Atkins: In terms of wish list, we would look toward policies that act as an incentive to support clean energy manufacturing to enable Silfab Solar to further develop homegrown expertise and experience in solar and manufacturing.
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