Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

Germany: Glimmer of hope for First Solar's Frankfurt operations

By the end of the year, First Solar Inc. will stop photovoltaic production in Germany's Frankfurt Oder. However, plant management has announced that there is now investor interest and hopes for a solution in Q1 2013.

There is still chance for First Solar's Frankfurt Oder photovoltaic facilities, according to sources.

First Solar

First Solar's photovoltaic module production is scheduled to officially end on December 31 in Frankfurt Oder. However, according to media reports in Germany, plant manager, Burghard von Westerholt believes that there could soon be some new information announced.

Reportedly, there are several seriously interested parties, with whom discussions have been conducted. He hopes to be able to present a solution in Q1 2013.
Some of the potential interested parties come from both the domestic and international solar industry, said Westerholt, who declined to divulge any further details.

Germany's employment agency has calculated that the move away from Frankfurt Oder by First Solar will not just cost 1,200 jobs, but actually up to 2,000 in the region, including employees of subcontractors and other service providers.

Translated by Becky Beetz.