Meyer Burger bets on former Sovello, SolarWorld sites in Germany

German solar company Meyer Burger Technology AG (SWX:MBTN) has selected buildings in Bitterfeld-Wolfen and Freiberg previously used by Sovello and the SolarWorld Group for its own photovoltaic (PV) cell and module plants.

In the first half of 2021, the PV technology firm wants to reach a production capacity of 400 MW for cells and for modules, while it has plans to expand that up to 5 GW in the future. This is in line with the previously announced shift in Meyer Burger’s business model from a technology supplier to a PV module producer.

“The fact that we are able to use existing infrastructures and the high level of expertise in the regions is a conscious strategic decision that will enable us to achieve short ramp-up times and high product quality,” said chief executive Gunter Erfurt.

On Thursday the company said it will rent Sovello facilities covering 27,000 sq m in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Saxony-Anhalt, to establish, using its latest production equipment, manufacturing of highly efficient Heterojunction (HJT) PV cells. These will be processed into SmartWire modules in Freiberg, Saxony, in a SolarWorld facility. Meyer Burger is describing the latter as “the largest and most modern plant of its kind in Europe”. The available area is roughly 19,000 sq m.

Meyer Burger is also acquiring the logistics and distribution centre at the former SolarWorld site in Freiberg.

Christoph Niering, appointed SolarWorld insolvency administrator in March 2018, and Meyer Burger have agreed not reveal the purchase price.

The development of the two solar locations is hinging on the successful completion of a capital increase targeting gross proceeds of CHF 165 million (USD 175.6m/EUR 155.3m). Meyer Burger shareholders are expected to approve that at a meeting today.

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