September 2, 2008

Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany: Solibro Starts Shipments of CIGS Modules

Solibro GmbH has started shipments to customers of its CIGS thin film solar modules. The company has signed supply contracts for almost its entire production with photovoltaic systems market players like HaWi Energietechnik GmbH, SUNOVA AG, Geckologic GmbH, thermovolt AG, and SUNSET Energietechnik GmbH.

“We are excited too see our first modules being installed in the field now”, says Solibro COO Dr. Johannes Segner. “The data from our reference test sites make us confident that the field performance of our products will meet our customers’ demanding expectations.”

Only three months after the ground breaking in August 2007 Solibro started to move equipment in its new production site. In April the first full size module was made and measured. In the same month the company produced its first 11 % full area efficiency modules. Thanks to a smooth ramp-up of production the milestone “first MWp produced” was passed in Mid August. The key performance indicators of production – up-time, yield, throughput and efficiency – are all steadily improving according to plan.

As announced on 13 August by Q-Cells, Solibro will increase the capacity of its plant in Bitterfeld-Wolfen from 30 MWp to 45 MWp and build a second production line with a production capacity of 90 MWp. Both expansion projects have already been initiated and first modules from the 90 MW site are expected in Q4 2009.

“The strong demand for Solibro products and the successful ramp-up of production was the basis for the expansion decision. We are eager to support the growth of our customers”, Dr. Segner concludes.

Further details about: Q Cells