Stion has received both Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) and International Electrotechnical Commissions (IEC) certifications to ship modules produced at its Hattiesburg, Mississippi factory.

Stion modules with nominal power of up to 140 W are now available, with commercial shipments from the factory commencing later this month. The first phase of the 500 MW factory has 100 MW of annual production capacity, which is the equivalent of approximately 25,000 residential solar electric systems.

“Beginning shipments from Hattiesburg less than one year after starting construction represents a tremendous accomplishment by our team," says Chet Farris, CEO of Stion. “We are excited to strengthen our position as a the leading U.S.-based manufacturers of solar modules, and bring thin film to a broad range of applications and markets globally."

The company’s modules have a robust, simple monolithic circuit design, and are manufactured using proven industry standard production tools. They are specifically designed for use in all major market segments; residential, commercial, municipal and utility.

Stion’s modules have a form factor of 65 cm x 165 cm that enables streamlined installation. The PTC / STC ratio - a measurement of the module’s field performance versus standard test conditions – is higher than those for 95 percent of the products listed for use by the California Solar Initiative.

Stion will continue expansion of both its Hattiesburg factory and its San Jose headquarters. As part of its $130 million funding round in December 2011, Stion is establishing a subsidiary in Korea with strategic partner Avaco to build a factory that will help serve the Asian and European markets.

“Early in 2011, the Mississippi Development Authority was pleased to work with Stion officials to announce the company’s new manufacturing location in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and it has been gratifying to see how quickly production has gotten under way at the plant," says Jim Barksdale, interim Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority. “I commend Stion officials on reaching this latest milestone, with commercial shipments of the company’s Mississippi-made solar modules beginning later this month."