German solar panel manufacturer Solarwatt has expanded its module production capacity by 300 MW with the launch of a new state-of-the-art line in Dresden, calling it the largest production facility for glass-glass solar modules in Europe.
Spread over some 3,500 sq. mtr. space, the new 'F8 module fab' is designed to roll out close to 1 million modules a year, using larger cell formats, while offering 30-year product and performance guarantee. Modules from this fab will be sold to the customers in the coming week, said Solarwatt.
The official commissioning of the fab was alongside the inauguration of 2 new production lines for battery energy storage systems (BESS). One of these facilities is located in the immediate vicinity of the new F8 module fab where it undertakes final assembly of the battery flex storage system, developed with BMW Group that supplies original components for production as battery cells.
For its 2nd BESS facility, Solarwatt has outsourced the production of the cell module for its battery storage to international automotive supplier Webasto in Bavaria. The 300 sq. mtr. fab produces a battery cell module for Solarwatt in around 2 minutes, explained the German company. Both the BESS lines were energized at the beginning of September 2021.
"Solarwatt is the only European supplier to produce all the components of a photovoltaic system itself and from a single source – here in Germany," said Solarwatt's main shareholder Stefan Quandt, who is also a major shareholder of car company BMW.
Going forward, Solarwatt will invest over €100 million over the next few years for its further development, out of which €35 million will be invested in the 3 new production facilities.
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