Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide has announced that its German affiliate, Asola (Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH) has unveiled a new state-of-the-art facility that will produce crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic modules for the global markets.
The new facility is located in Erfurt, the capital city of Thuringia, and is the main city nearest to the geographical centre of Germany.
The prime minister of Thuringia, Mr. Dieter Althaus, and the mayor of Erfurt, Mr. Andreas Bausewein, formally opened the facility. Dr. Allen Wang, the CEO of China Sunergy, Mr. Peter Schneider, the CSO of Bosch-Ersol and Mr. Alan Niedzwiecki, the President and CEO of Quantum, were present at the grand opening ceremony.
Asola's new facility currently employs 100 workers and is expected to employ up to 130 by the end of the year. The initial production rate will be 32 MW of PV modules annually, and is expected to expand to 45 MW by the end of the year.
"With this new plant we underline our own exceptional growth path, which well exceeds the average growth rate within the solar industry. Our formula for success is, and will remain, un-compromising quality – Made in Germany," said Mr. Reinhard Wecker, the founder and CEO of Asola.
"We are seeing positive signs in the market for the second half of 2009," commented Alan Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum.
"Our expanded capacity is already proving to be very timely, to support the increased demand in line with the medium and long-term prospects for the solar industry in Europe as well as the US."
Quantum and Asola bring in excess of 70 years of combined experience in the clean energy industry. Asola applies advanced design and precision manufacturing techniques and quality control to manufacture the highest quality photovoltaic modules for reliable production of electricity for 25 years and more.
Quantum and Asola plan to supply advanced roof-integrated solar photovoltaic modules to Fisker Automotive, for the award winning Fisker KARMA, a luxury plug-in-hybrid car that was introduced at the Detroit International Auto Show in January, 2008.
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