According to the British Photovoltaic Association (BPVA), Birmingham-based SunSolar Energy and Meyer Burger of Switzerland have signed an agreement for the supply of a fully automated module manufacturing line. The Meyer Burger production line will be producing standard 60- and 72-cell modules and solar roof tiles.
The BPVA, of which SunSolar is a member, says the project will be implemented in three phases with a start-up capacity of 35 MW this year. Production is planned to increase to 75 MW in phase two and to 135 MW in phase three by 2015. Meyer Burger is also a member of the BPVA.
‘We were delighted to see that the contract for such an exciting project has now been signed,’ says BPVA Chairman Reza Shaybani. ‘I am especially delighted that both SunSolar Energy and Meyer Burger, who are two of our most active members, are creating this solar module manufacturing facility in the U.K.’
In June, SunSolar was awarded £5 million in government funding to build solar PV panels in the U.K. as part of the Regional Growth Fund, a £2.4 billion program of grants and loans for businesses across England intended to promote economic growth and employment.
When the plant is operational, SunSolar says it will be the only solar panel manufacturer in the U.K.
‘To be able to create a factory environment that will not only employ local suppliers to work with, but create new jobs and offer viable and inexpensive energy sources to the U.K., is something we're extremely excited about,’ says SunSolar CEO Indi Sohal. ‘And to achieve government funding is a true testament to the successful business model we have at SunSolar, and I can't wait to get the ball rolling.’
