DAQO Group has started construction of the largest polycrystalline silicon production plant in the country, China Business News reported.

The plant, located in Southwestern Chongqing Municipality, will churn out 6,000 tons of polycrystalline silicon when it runs at full capacity in 2009, with projected sales revenues of over 10 billion yuan every year.

The first phase, scheduled to be completed by June next year, will have a production capacity of 3,000 tons.

Several leading solar cell makers, including NASDAQ-listed Suntech, Yingli Solar, and China Sunergy, have queued up for orders.