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Solon S.p.A. closes module production plant down

The Italian arm of Solon has announced a new strategy, aimed at repositioning itself as a systems integrator. As such, will close its 95 megawatt photovoltaic module production plant on February 20. Seventy employees will be affected by the changes.

Solon has installed a number of photovoltaic systems in Italy.

Solon SE

The subsidiary has been part of the now insolvent Solon Group since December 2006. Until recently, it has specialized in the production and sale of modules, and in system integration. The new decision has been made as part of a restructuring of the whole Solon Group. The company cites strong competitive pressure from Asian manufacturers as a key reason.

In a statement released, the Italian subsidiary says it will now focus more on its experience and engineering know-how, in order to position itself as a system integrator, focusing on the design, development, realization and maintenance of turnkey photovoltaic systems. A spokesperson for the company tells pv magazine that it will also distribute modules in Italy, which have been produced at its two production sites in Germany. They add that all module contracts with customers will be fulfilled via its Griefswald and Berlin sites.

Furthermore, it says that in the future, within in the Solon Group, the production of particular special applications, which are in demand will be concentrated in one location.

"With the strategy change, we will focus specifically on our core competencies," commented Wojciech Swietochowski, president and CEO of Solon S.p.A. "With our engineering know-how and many years of experience as a total solutions provider, we still have great competitive advantages over our competition."

Solon adds that its customers will also benefit from the changes. "We continue to offer our customers the full range of Solon modules," continued Swietochowski. "In the future, they will be more strongly supported from us via planning, development, maintenance and support services."

In terms of the 70 employees, Solon says that a "socially acceptable" solution will be sought.

PR agent Christoph Möller declined to comment on the current status of the Solon Group's insolvency proceedings.