News: Suppliers
3 February 2026
5N Plus to increase space solar cell production capacity by 25% in 2026
Specialty semiconductor and performance materials producer 5N Plus Inc (5N+) of Montréal, Québec, Canada has announced plans by its subsidiary AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH of Heilbronn, Germany, to expand solar cell production capacity by an additional 25% in 2026. The new capacity, expected to gradually come online starting in second-half 2026, will add to capacity increases of 30% in 2025 and 35% in 2024.
“With the acceleration of AI adoption and the growing appetite for connectivity, our clients are planning ahead and securing products to support future satellite programs and space missions,” says 5N+’s CEO Gervais Jacques. “In this dynamic environment, their trust in our capacity to deliver innovative and high-quality advanced devices is reflected in a maxed-out backlog and robust project pipeline that now warrants additional capacity, in line with the disciplined approach that has served us well.”
AZUR has a track record of expanding operations with limited new investments, taking advantage of available onsite physical space to meet growing demand. With each capacity increase program, the team has also accelerated the process of bringing new equipment and capacity online. Over the past three years, capacity has increased in all AZUR departments, from epitaxy to cell production, assembly and testing. Over the next year, the firm expects to reach its 25% target by investing in both back-end and front-end operations, including through process optimization and additional automation.
“As we enter the year with strong momentum, this positions us well to solidify our leadership, execute on growth initiatives and continue developing the products our customers need,” says Jacques.
5N+ sells AZUR subsidiary’s GaN IP portfolio to micro-LED specialist ALLOS
