Jan. 9, 2008 – Taiwan solar-cell maker E-Ton Solar Tech and Japanese silicon supplier M.Setek are readying volume production of polycrystalline silicon materials to ramp later this year, making E-Ton the island’s first solar-cell maker with polycrystalline volume capabilities, according to reports by local media.

The two initially plan output of 3000 metric tons, of which E-Ton will secure one-third capacity, translating to 100MW of solar cells. E-Ton, an early investor in M.Setek, aims to more than double its output this year to 150MW of solar cells.

M.Setek, which aims to double its daily polysilicon output to ~10 metric tons in 2008, has recently made big strides forward at its Soma plant in Japan by producing the key material trichlorosilane needed to make polysilicon, notes Digitimes.

The Taiwan Economic News cites “industry watchers” speculating that the Taiwan firm is getting a 20% discount from M.Setek vs. market prices (currently ~$400/kg). 2007 revenues are expected to have grown about 70% to ~$182M, and profits in the coming year are seen rising about 35% to nearly EPS $0.70/share, “equal to two capitalizations,” the paper notes.