- Module production starts with an annual capacity of 0.4 GW, expansion to 1 GW prepared.
- SmartWire cell connection technology, developed and patented in Switzerland, significantly increases efficiency and ensures improved longevity and yield strength of solar modules.
- Online panel with the President of the Free State of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, and other high-profile guests from politics and business.
After opening the solar cell production in Thalheim (Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Saxony-Anhalt) few days ago, Meyer Burger Technology Ltd is now opening its high tech module factory in Freiberg (Saxony) as planned. After the renovation of the former Solarworld factory in only 8 months and the installation of the SmartWire production lines, there is an annual nominal capacity of 0.4 GW or about 3000 modules per day after the completion of the ramp-up. This most modern and environmentally friendly manufacturing facility in Europe of its kind provides more than 200 new, highly qualified jobs. The expansion to 1 GW – instead of 0.8 GW as planned before at the Freiberg site – is prepared and will be targeted as soon as possible, creating further jobs. With the opening of both production facilities, the securing of all supply chains and the establishment of the manufacturing and sales organizations, key milestones along Meyer Burger’s transformation from a pure equipment and technology provider to an integrated manufacturer of solar cells and solar modules have been achieved according to plan.
Heterojunction-based solar cells have the advantage over conventional cells that they can convert more sunlight into energy. The SmartWire cell interconnection technology developed and patented by Meyer Burger in Switzerland further increases the efficiency of the modules and ensures an above-average lifetime. Furthermore, Meyer Burger modules are completely lead-free compared to competitive products. The modules can be recycled in line with the circular economy.
The opening takes place digitally against the backdrop of the Corona pandemic. Representing the Saxon state government, President Michael Kretschmer and Wolfram Günther, State Minister for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture, will take part in a panel discussion on the topic “From Saxony to the world: How we can use renewable energies regionally, European and globally”, the two politicians will discuss with Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of Solar Power Europe, Dr. Stephan Lowis, CEO of enviaM AG, climate researcher Dr. Udo Engelhardt and Dr. Gunter Erfurt, CEO of Meyer Burger. The panel will be moderated by TV presenter, journalist and physicist Kristina zur Mühlen. CEO Gunter Erfurt: “I am looking forward to the start of module production in Freiberg and to this top-class round of talks. The innovative power of the solar industry and a forward-looking industrial policy can create thousands of sustainable jobs in Germany and Europe.”
Online panel as part of the opening, start 1:45 p.m. (CEST):
German: https://www.meyerburger.com/de/eroeffnung-freiberg
Meyer Burger Technology AG
Meyer Burger is starting production of high-performance solar cells and solar modules in 2021. Its proprietary heterojunction/SmartWire technology enables the company to set new industry standards in terms of energy yield. With solar cells and modules developed in Switzerland and manufactured in Germany according to high sustainability standards, Meyer Burger aims to become a leading European photovoltaic company. The company currently employs around 600 people at research facilities in Switzerland, development and manufacturing sites in Germany and sales offices in Europe, the USA and Asia.
Meyer Burger was founded in 1953 in Switzerland. As a provider of production systems, the company has shaped the development of the global photovoltaic industry along the entire value chain in recent decades and has set essential industry standards. A large part of the solar modules produced worldwide today are based on technologies developed by Meyer Burger.
