Applied Materials has announced that it plans to expand its facility in Xi’an, China. The announcement comes after China’s Vice Premier Li Keqiang toured the facility, which focuses on SunFab’ thin-film modules, c-Si testing and R&D. Applied Materials has now started "Phase 2" of the project, which will turn the facility into a Global Solar R&D Center for crystalline silicon and thin-film solar.

Charles Gay, Applied Solar’s President and the co-chair of the Renewable Energy Working Group for the U.S.-China Clean Energy Forum, commented on the facility’s upcoming expansion, saying

“There is a tremendous opportunity for the United States and China to work together to our mutual benefit and to make solar a more meaningful part of the energy supply of both countries. With the government’s support and commitment we can help make solar a more affordable option and grow the market for solar panels throughout China.”