Marking 10 years of the Sonnenstromfabrik solar factory in Wismar

Centrosolar celebrates anniversary: The Hamburg-based company has been manufacturing top-quality photovoltaic modules at its Sonnenstromfabrik solar factory in Wismar for ten years now. With a current capacity of 300 MWp, it is one of the largest facilities specializing in the production of solar modules in Europe as well as a major employer in the region.

The solar factory was set up in 2001. A total of 15 assembly line employees manufacture solar modules for off-grid applications. These modules are sold under the SOLARA brand. This was complemented in 2002 by the launch of production of crystalline modules. Over the intervening years, there have been several rounds of expansion as well as the construction of a second factory in Wismar. In 2008, the company established a number of foreign subsidiaries to sell its modules across Europe and, since 2010, in the US as well. Centrosolar is currently expanding production with a second plant, and it is expecting to achieve a production capacity of 350 MWp by the end of the year. As soon as the new plant goes live, the factory will produce 7,000 solar modules per day. There is the potential to ramp up production to 500 MWp.

By building the solar factory, Centrosolar shows its commitment to Germany as a technological hub. “Uncompromising quality is our number one priority. To deliver on this promise, we only manufacture in Germany,” explains Dr. Josef Wrobel, Head of Sales at Centrosolar. The success of the company is based on three key pillars: German engineering expertise, its many years of experience and high quality standards. And Centrosolar is ready to take on competitors from around the world. “It is possible to produce in Germany and remain competitive. Our production agreement with chip maker TSMC is proof of that,” explains Wrobel.

The Taiwanese company signed an exclusive manufacturing agreement this year for crystalline solar modules with Centrosolar. In addition to high-performance crystalline modules, the Centrosolar solar factory also manufactures special in-roof modules to meet strong demand for these products especially in France. Cenpac, the new complete photovoltaic system developed in 2010 by Centrosolar, is also produced at the facility.