EDF Energies Nouvelles and First Solar Inc. have teamed to build what the companies say is France's largest solar panel manufacturing plant. With an initial annual capacity of more than 100 MW, the plant will produce solar panels made with First Solar's technology.
At full production, projected for the second half of 2011, the plant will employ more than 300 people. Under the terms of the arrangement, First Solar will build and operate the plant. The project represents an expected investment of more than 90 million euros.
EDF Energies Nouvelles has agreed to finance half of the capital expense and plant start-up costs, and will benefit from the plant's entire output for the first 10 years. First Solar and EDF Energies Nouvelles will announce their decision on the site location within the next few months.
The companies add that First Solar's manufacturing site will also include a facility for recycling solar panels, France's first such facility and Europe's only solar panel recycling plant outside of Germany.
SOURCE: First Solar Inc.
