[Stockholm, Sweden] Swedish solar energy leader Midsummer announced on December 28 that the last three DUO thin film solar cell production machines are on their way from Sweden to the company's factory in Bari, Italy. The DUO machines, which were manufactured at Midsummer's factory in Järfälla, will join seven other DUO machines at the Bari factory, bringing the total number of DUO machines to 10, which will start production shortly.
Midsummer has shipped an additional three proprietary DUO production systems, specifically designed for the mass production of thin film solar cells, from its Swedish factory to the new Italian facility in Bari. This shipment, consisting of two DUO machines shipped yesterday and a third shipped today along with metrology equipment, is expected to arrive in Bari in January.
Upon arrival, the Italian plant, which will become Europe's largest thin-film solar cell manufacturer, will have a complete set of ten DUO machines, paving the way for automated production to begin in the first quarter of 2024.
At the same time, a 45-ton automated module line is on its way from Sweden to Bari for installation in January. A fourth DUO machine was also shipped in early December.
Midsummer's CEO Sven Lindström expressed his satisfaction: "It is rewarding to be getting closer to the completion of the Italian factory, which will soon mass produce lightweight solar modules for the European market.
The Midsummer DUO is an all-in-one production system designed for the mass production of durable, flexible and cadmium-free thin-film solar cells (CIGS) with a minimal CO2 footprint. Renowned for its compact design, high capacity, operational reliability and efficient material usage, the DUO system is recognized as the most widely used flexible thin film solar cell production system in the world. In addition, an advanced R&D version (R&D Midsummer DUO) and a generic research version (R&D Midsummer UNO) are available.
Once operational, the Bari plant will have an annual production capacity of 50 MW of solar cells, making it the largest facility of its kind in Europe. Midsummer Italia has secured commitments for two-thirds of the factory's maximum production capacity through letters of intent with seven national construction and roofing companies. The construction of the factory in Italy is supported by a grant of approximately SEK 240 million from the Italian investment vehicle Invitalia, of which approximately SEK 75 million has already been disbursed.
