Still only in its third year, Solibro GmbH will shortly put a second production line for thin-film modules into operation and is set to have the highest CIGS production capacity worldwide. The company’s dynamics are underlined by the following facts and figures.
OWNer
Q-Cells SE (100 %)
Company management
Dr. Johannes Segner – COO
Dr. Lars Stolt – CTO
Dr. Ingo Engelmann – CFO
History and milestones
The success of thin-film technology prompted the decision to merge the products made by Solibro and Calyxo under the new brand Q-Cells Modules. Q-Cells’ core competence in cell production is thus augmented by thin-film technology, enabling it to offer a full range of products ranging from cells to modules in Q-Cells’ customary quality.
Q-Cells buys out Swedish joint-venture partner Solibro AB in Uppsala, making Solibro GmbH a wholly owned subsidiary of Q-Cells. The resulting synergy, in particular in sales and marketing, will bolster Solibro GmbH’s prospects as a leading producer of thin-film modules.
After the successful ramp-up of the first production line, the owners of Solibro GmbH decide to build a second factory with an annual capacity of 90MWp. At the same time, the capacity of the first production site is to be expanded from 30MWp to 45MWp, altogether making for a nearly five-fold increase in overall capacity to 135MWp by 2010 – and turning Solibro GmbH into the market leader in CIGS technology.
The first Solibro module was produced in Thalheim in April 2008. In August, just a year after building work began, Solibro reports the production of the first megawatt. The first large deliveries to customers begin. The efficient, cost-effective and attractive modules generate solar power on roofs and façades.
Solar Valley in the Bitterfeld region grows: Solibro GmbH invests more than €60 million in its first production line for CIGS thin-film modules with an annual capacity of up to 30MWp.
Solibro AB and Q-Cells AG set up joint venture Solibro GmbH with its registered office in Solar Valley, Thalheim. Managed by COO Dr Johannes Segner and CTO Dr Lars Stolt, this staunch alliance between technology and industrial know-how paves the way for the launch of Solibro CIGS thin-film modules.
Solibro AG, a spin-off of Ångström Solar Center Uppsala, takes the first step towards industrial mass production when a coating plant for CIGS thin-film solar modules with a standard size of 120 cm x 60 cm goes into operation.
Copyright by Q-Cells SE © 2010
