Systovi, Voltec Solar move forward with plans to expand panel capacity

French module manufacturers Systovi and Voltec Solar announced plans last July to join forces to create a bigger player in the French solar manufacturing sector. Now, they are finally moving forward with their first investments.

Systovi recently kicked off efforts to transform its existing production line with an investment of €1.5 million ($1.8 million). The orders for machines that have just been placed and the new equipment should be operational by the end of 2021.

“This development is a first step in the materialization of the Belenos project, which aims to achieve a combined panel production capacity of 1 GW per year,” said Francois Guerin, the CEO of Cetih, Systovi’s parent company. “If the Belenos project will be successful, a second line with much more capacity will be installed at our Carquefou site.”

The manufacturer is also working on developing a 400 MW module for residential applications.

Meanwhile, Voltec Solar is now moving forward with its plans to invest around €2.5 million in its manufacturing facility in Dinsheim-sur-Bruche, Bas-Rhin.

“The modernization efforts carried out entirely with European equipment have a dual objective. They will increase our productivity and make our panels more efficient,” said Pierre Cantrelle, CEO of Voltec Solar.

Voltec Solar currently has an annual PV module production capacity of 200 MW at its factory in Alsace. It was established in 2009 and is 100%-owned by the Strub Group.