The municipality of Flen in central Sweden has been chosen by Swedish manufacturer Midsummer as the location for its new 200 MW mega factory for the production of thin film solar cells for the European market.

 

The factory, which is partially funded by the EU Innovation Fund, will have a maximum annual production capacity of 200 MW of CIGS thin film solar cells – thin, light, flexible and with an extremely low climate footprint. It is expected to commence production in 2026 and, when fully operational, will employ around 200 people.

 

“We had a number of locations in Sweden to choose from, but Flen fulfilled all our requirements regarding e.g. suitable premises, reliable electricity supply and overall an established local infrastructure that is favorable for this type of production. We feel that we have received and will receive strong support from the Flen municipality for our investment. Flen is also geographically well located for the transport of input materials and finished products across Sweden and all of Europe,” said Eric Jaremalm, CEO, Midsummer.

 

Thin film solar cells

"We are delighted to have attracted what will be Europe's largest factory for the production of thin film solar cells in a venture that puts Flen on the map in renewable energy. It is in line with the municipality’s strategic plan and will be one of the municipality's largest workplaces and a boost for the local business community,” said Ann-Charlotte Munter, Chairman of the Council in the municipality of Flen. 

 

Midsummer will take over the premises in September this year, given that the EU approves the start of the project called DAWN with the location of the factory in these premises. Midsummer then begins to adapt the premises and install machinery for an expected start of production in 2026. It is expected to reach maximum production capacity in 2028.

 

Midsummer will focus on light and environmentally sustainable solar panels for primarily low load-bearing commercial and industrial roofs that cannot withstand the weight of traditional silicon panels.

 

The premises in central Flen have hosted industrial activity since the 1860s. Bolinder-Munktell manufactured combine harvesters there before it became Volvo's global centre for the repair of heavy engines. The property is owned by the municipality of Flen. The premises are well adapted for Midsummer's operations and the location in the municipality of Flen with the region's industrial history offers good conditions for the recruitment of staff.--TradeArabia News Service