Hanwha Group said Friday that it has established a research center in Silicon Valley in the United States to develop next-generation solar energy technologies including solar cells.

The establishment of Hanwha Solar America marks the group’s latest efforts to enhance its solar energy business.

Its affiliate Hanwha Chemical Co. acquired 49.9 percent of Shanghai-based solar-products maker Solarfun Power Holdings in August. Solarfun changed its name to Hanwha SolarOne in December as part of its efforts to strengthen its brand worldwide and strategic partnership with its largest shareholder.

Hanwha SolarOne is a manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic cells and modules in China.

The company currently has a production capacity of 500 megawatts of solar cells and 900 megawatts of modules. It plans to expand its capacity to 1.3 gigawatts of cells and 1.5 gigawatts of modules by the end of this year.

By Kim Yon-se (kys@heraldcorp.com)