German Solar-cell maker EverQ GmbH opens solar-cell plant in Thalheim, Germany
German Solar-cell maker EverQ GmbH opens solar-cell plant in Thalheim, Germany
Mark LaPedus, EE Times / June 21, 2006
Source: http://www.eetimes.eu/power/189600197
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Solar-cell maker EverQ GmbH Tuesday (June 20) marked the official opening of its first and previously-announced production facility in Thalheim, Germany.
EverQ (Thalheim) is a partnership of Evergreen Solar Inc., Q-Cells AG and Renewable Energy Corp. ASA.
Evergreen Solar develops, manufactures and markets solar cells. Q-Cells claims to be the world’s largest independent manufacturer of crystalline silicon solar cells. Renewable Energy is the world’s largest manufacturer of solar-grade silicon and multicrystalline wafers.
To date, 260 workers are employed at the 16,400-square-meter production facility at EverQ. The number of employees is expected to increase to more than 300 when the full production capacity of 30-megawatts is achieved.
EverQ uses Evergreen Solar’s thin-film solar technology, dubbed String Ribbon. The technology claims to require nearly 50 percent less silicon than conventional crystalline technologies. EverQ exclusively manufactures Evergreen’s Spruce Line of photovoltaic (PV) panels.
EverQ is already planning a major expansion in Thalheim as part of a recently-announced effort. Groundbreaking for a second wafer, cell and module manufacturing plant — with a capacity of 50-MW — is expected later this year.
With REC committing to supply a total of 7,400 metric tons of silicon over seven years beginning in 2008, EverQ plans to increase its current production capacity from 30-MW to approximately 300-MW by 2010 or sooner.