Der Solarmodulhersteller Global Solar Energy hat eine neue 35 MW-Produktionsstätte in Berlin-Adlershof in Betrieb genommen. Bereits 60 Arbeitsplätze seien dadurch bereits in der Region Berlin-Brandenburg durch das Projekt geschaffen worden. Bis Ende 2012 sollen weitere 100 Arbeitsplätze folgen. Aktuell werden die Dünnschichtmodule nach erfolgreichem Testbetrieb im August 2011 in dem neuen 2.100 m² großem Werk in zwei Schichten produziert. Zu Beginn des dritten Quartals soll die Produktion auf drei Schichten erweitert werden.

„Die Produktion ist erfolgreich angelaufen. Die Ausrüstung des neuen Werks konnten wir durch die Zusammenarbeit mit erfahrenen Zulieferern sowie das große Know-How und den überwältigenden Einsatz unseres Teams innerhalb von nur fünf Monaten realisieren. Dafür bin ich meinen Mitarbeitern sehr dankbar“, so Jens Mühling, Geschäftsführer der deutschen Niederlassung des Unternehmens.

Berlin-Adlershof: Operation starts at new solar module factory

Global Solar Energy produces the most efficient flexible modules in the world

Berlin, August 29, 2011 – Thin-film manufacturer Global Solar Energy this month 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). Over 60 vacancies have already been filled at the plant with a further 100 jobs due to be created by the end of 2012.

Following successful pilot operations earlier this month, staff at the facility now manufactures the flexible thin-film modules on a two-shift rotation. Plans are laid to move to three-shift operation at 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% are achieved thanks to a unique mixing ratio of copper, indium, gallium and diselenide. Furthermore, several of the factory’s machines are custom-built, which ensures 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 for this,” says Jens Mühling, Managing Director of the company’s German branch.

Weighing just 3.5 kilograms per square meter, the lightweight PowerFLEX BIPV modules are particularly well-suited to use on flat industrial roofs, as the structural design of such buildings often prevents the use of heavy, thick-film modules. After being rolled on the roof surface, the flexible thin-film modules are simply affixed into position and require no support frames or stands. The roof membrane is not pierced 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. They are therefore around twice as efficient as flexible amorphous silicon solar modules.

About Global Solar Energy

Founded in 1996, the company is a leading manufacturer of copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) solar cells on flexible substrates. Thanks to their low weight and flexible properties, Global Solar Energy’s solar modules make innovative, building-integrated applications possible and can also be used in solar power plants or foldable charging devices.

The Group headquarters are located in Tucson, Arizona, and boast a module production capacity of 40 MW. A total of 300 staff is currently employed across the company’s different sites.

PR: www.globalsolar.com

Interview opportunities at PVSEC

Opportunities will be available to conduct an interview with Jean-Noel Poirier, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development at Global Solar Energy, at the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), which is set to take place from September 5-8, 2011 at the Hamburg Congress Center (CCH).

To arrange an appointment please contact:

Press contact

Vera Neuhäuser

Tel. +49 (0)30 – 72 62 96 – 465

E-mail: neuhaeuser@sunbeam-berlin.de