Solarworld AG takes over Bosch solar manufacturing in Arnstadt

Bonn, Germany - SolarWorld AG has taken over cell and module production from Bosch Solar Energy in the Thuringian town of Arnstadt (Germany) on 12 March 2014.

As a result, SolarWorld will increase its production capacity to over one gigawatt throughout the entire value chain. This will make the company the largest manufacturer of solar power technology outside of Asia. Dr.-Ing. E.h. Frank Asbeck, the CEO of SolarWorld AG, says, "SolarWorld offers a counterpoint to solar manufacturing in China. We rely on highly automated production processes so that we can minimize failure rates and guarantee the highest quality. The manufacturing capabilities of Bosch Solar Energy are a perfect match for us and their quality standards are in keeping with our company's values. The same applies for the high environmental and social standards we hold ourselves to."

From a technological standpoint, SolarWorld is one of the leading players in the global solar industry. By merging the resources of SolarWorld and Bosch Solar Energy, the company intends to make a foray into the production of high-efficiency modules in the 300 W plus power category. This category translates into a 20 percent increase in power generation over the same surface and will lead to significant cost savings. SolarWorld is already a leader in using PERC cell technology to improve solar yields and will deploy this technology in Arnstadt as well.

Taking over the Bosch solar manufacturing in Arnstadt has followed the financial restructuring of the SolarWorld Group, which was just completed late last month. SolarWorld thus becomes one of the few solar companies in the world to regain solid financial footing.

At the beginning of 2013, Bosch announced its withdrawal from the production of high-efficiency solar modules. Following a long and careful selection process, SolarWorld stood out in its ability to offer Bosch a sustainable industrial concept and long-term business strategy. SolarWorld wants to make "Made in Germany" solar technology successful once again. Around 800 Bosch employees in Arnstadt will now join SolarWorld. The agreement reached between Bosch and SolarWorld ensures that the manufacturing site in Arnstadt will continue to operate for many years to come and that the jobs in the region will remain secure.

Source: IWR Online, 13 Mar 2014