Operation starts at new solar module factory
Global Solar Energy produces most efficient flexible modules in the world
Thin-film manufacturer Global Solar Energy this month has commissioned its new production facility. Flexible modules that are currently the most efficient of their kind worldwide are now manufactured at the site in Berlin-Adlershof, which has a production capacity of 35 megawatts (MW). More than 60 vacancies have already been filled at the plant, creating 100 jobs by the end of 2012.
Following successful pilot operations earlier this month, staff at the facility is currently manufacturing the flexible thin-film modules on a two-shift rotation. Plans are laid to move to a three-shift operation by the beginning of the third quarter.
The new factory has a production area of 2,100 square meters and processes solar cells fabricated in-house. The latter are laminated between a number of films, which ensure the durability of the product. High module efficiencies of up to 12.6 percent are achieved due to a unique mixing ratio of Copper, Indium, Gallium and diSelenide. Furthermore, several of the factory’s machines are custom-built, guaranteeing that series production is optimized.
“Production started successfully. By collaborating with experienced suppliers, and as a result of the great expertise and phenomenal commitment of our team, we were able to commission and install the equipment in the new factory within just five months. I am deeply grateful to my staff,” said Jens Mühling, managing director of Global Solar Energy German branch.
The PowerFLEX BIPV modules are around twice as efficient as the current flexible amorphous silicon standard. Weighing just 3.5 kilograms per square meter, the Global Solar modules are particularly well-suited for flat industrial roofs, as the structural design of such buildings often prevents the use of heavy, thick-film modules. The new modules help to maintain a building’s integrity and aesthetics as they apply directly to a roof’s surface. After being rolled on the roof, the flexible thin-film modules are simply affixed into position, requiring no mounting hardware. The roof membrane is not penetrated and no additional wind loads are produced. Measuring 5.74 x 0.5 meters, PowerFLEX modules offer a high power density of up to 300 Watts.
About Global Solar Energy
Since its founding in 1996, Global Solar has emerged as the leader in flexible Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CIGS) thin-film solar cell technology. CIGS thin-film technology is lightweight and highly efficient. Global Solar’s thin-film solar cells are incorporated into a variety of applications ranging from lightweight portable solar chargers, traditional glass solar modules, and now building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products and designs.
Global Solar manufactures CIGS cells and modules in two full scale facilities with a production capacity of 40 MW in Tucson, Arizona, USA and in Berlin, Germany, and distributes worldwide.
Contact:
Vera Neuhäuser
Tel. 030 - 72 62 96 - 465
Mobil 0178 - 53 68 425
E-Mail: neuhaeuser(at)sunbeam-berlin.de ´
www.globalsolar.com